Abstract: Background MDM Scheme is one of the biggest programme launched by Government of India which provides meal to children at schools. This study was conducted to analyse the opinion of the children and care taker and also to assess the nutritional status of the children availing mid day meal in schools. Material and methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted in Government primary and middle school (NDMC schools) in south Delhi. A total of 600 students, 355 boys and 245 girls studying in 1st to 8th standards were selected randomly from primary and upper primary classes (age- 4 years to 15 years). A self prepared structured questionnaire were used to collect information about family profile and opinion regarding MDM. Anthropometry data (Height, weight and MUAC) were collected by measuring with standard techniques and BMI for age was calculated. WHO, (2006) criteria was used to assess nutritional status. Result: The study reveals that majority of the children belong to upper lower (52%) and lower middle (41.47%) class according to KSSS, (2012). All most all children (97.83%)) were satisfied with the MDM scheme and wanted to continue (97.33%) the scheme. Majority of the children (83%) consume MDM daily. Out of the cyclic menu, majority of the children (57.5%) liked the taste of Aloo puri and rice and dal was disliked by as high as 98.83 % of the children. 87.33 % beneficiaries preferred to eat mid day meal during their recess time. As high as 96.83 % of the beneficiaries were satisfied with quantity of food served. Results revealed that 67.16% of the children were normal, 13.163% were undernourished and 19.33% were overweight as per BMI for age. Under the family profiles variables, father’s occupation found significant (p≤0.05) association with nutritional status.
Keywords: MDM programme, nutritional status, family profile, opinion, enrolments and dropouts.
Title: Opinion and nutritional status of children consuming mid day meal (MDM) in schools in Delhi
Author: Babita Upadhyay, K Geeta
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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