Food security among preschool children

Abstract

A cross-sectional study of preschool children from 450 families from a residential colony of ‘D’ class hospital employees was undertaken to study food security & associated variables. Food security was established from (a) 24 hours recall method with 1 day weighment and (b) monthly food purchase inventory for cereals and pulses. Relationship between food secure status and variables of interest was studied from Chi-square value and odds ratio. Only 42.6% households and 54% preschool children from these households were calorically secure. Insecurity was the highest in 48–59 months age group. Per capital income, increasing birth order, family size, household size, less years of schooling of the mother, less than 4 meals per day and pulse insufficiency at home were associated with food insecurity. Per capita income ensures food availability at home. Family size and household size probably ensure distribution. Mother’s education, frequent feeds more than four, ensure that it reaches the preschool children.