1. Original Scientific Paper
Abstract

The growth of children is considered as one of the most important indicators for understanding the health and wellbeing of a community or nation. The growth of children and youth are considered to be best suited for explaining the nutrition and health status of a community (WHO, 1976). The present study was conducted in Mawsynram Community Development Block (CRDB) of the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, India. Anthropometric measurement of height and weight was carried out for studying the growth pattern of 549 children aged 2-6 years. In the present study we observed that boys were significantly heavier than girls across ages except for the 54 months age group. The total gain from 24 to 72 months of age was slightly greater in boys (5.42 kg) than in girls (5.39kg). Height increases with the increase in age for both boys and girls. The total gain in height from 2 to 6 years was lower in boys (24.66cm) than in girls (25.29cm). It is therefore obvious that boys had slower growth rates in height, on average, than girls. Body Mass Index of boys was above the 50th percentile of WHO standards whereas the girls were following slightly lower than 50th centile of these standards. The present study highlighted that the growth pattern of Khasi children availing ICDS scheme in Mawsynram CRDB has slightly improved although measures should be taken to improve the impact of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme of ICDS.

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