DIET INTERVENTION FOR REDUCING MALNUTRITION AMONG PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Malnutrition is a major problem among preschool children. It is a condition results from eating a diet in which certain nutrients are lacking. Malnutrition at an early age leads to reduced physical and mental development during childhood. Reducing malnutrition involves not only intake of qualitative food as well as adequate healthcare and healthy environment. The study was undertaken to explore the causes of malnutrition and to explore the effects of dietary intervention on body weights of children. The experimental study was carried out to study the dietary interventions. Pretested interview schedule was used for collecting the data from mothers of preschool children and anthropometric measurements were taken from the children. Sample were selected based on their anthropometric measurements. Diet was planned with locally available food groups. Results revealed that there is a significant change in the body weights of children. Mean scores on awareness levels on importance of balanced diet has shown that there is change in knowledge level of mothers after the training program. There is significant difference in the weights of children at.005 level. Few measures were high lightened to reduce the intensity of malnutrition, which were followed during the course of intervention