A comparative cross-sectional study on early childhood development through anthropometric measurements among urban and rural Anganwadi children.

Amancha  Nirvignyasree; Fawwad M  Shaikh; Bollampalli Babu  Rao; N. Jayalatha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1924

Authors

Ms. Amancha Nirvignyasree Final Year MBBS Student, Government Medical College,Suryapet, Telangana, India
Dr. Fawwad M Shaikh Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India
Dr. Bollampalli Babu Rao Professor and Head of Department,, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India
Dr. N. Jayalatha Principal and Professor of Radiology, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1924

Keywords:

Early childhood development, Anthropometry, Malnutrition, Anganwadi children, Urban-rural comparison, Growth monitoring, Developmental milestones

Abstract

Background
Early childhood is a crucial period for cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Nutritional status during this phase plays a significant role in shaping a child’s growth and development.

Objectives

To assess early childhood development through anthropometric measurements among Anganwadi children in urban and rural areas, and to compare the nutritional status between the two groups.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 25th November 2023 to 25th January 2024 among 254 children under five years attending Anganwadi centres, 129 from rural areas and 125 from urban areas. Anthropometric parameters such as weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and head circumference were recorded. Developmental milestones were also assessed. The data were analysed using WHO growth standards, and Chi-square tests were applied for statistical significance.

Results

The study revealed that 77.5% of rural and 68.0% of urban children had normal weight-for-age, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.233). Stunting was present in 37.2% of rural and 37.6% of urban children (p = 0.204). BMI analysis showed that 94.6% of rural and 87.2% of urban children were within the normal range (p = 0.118). Developmental delays were observed in 2.4% of rural and 8.0% of urban children. MUAC was normal in 99.2% of children across both groups (p = 0.982). No significant differences were found in head circumference (p = 0.926) or weight-for-height (p = 0.328) between the groups.

Conclusion

Children with lower anthropometric measurements were more likely to exhibit developmental delays. Rural Anganwadi children were relatively better nourished compared to urban children. Early detection of malnutrition through growth monitoring is vital for ensuring proper childhood development.

Recommendations

Regular anthropometric monitoring, nutrition education for caregivers, and strengthening Anganwadi services are essential to identify at-risk children early and implement timely interventions.

Author Biographies

Ms. Amancha Nirvignyasree, Final Year MBBS Student, Government Medical College,Suryapet, Telangana, India

is currently a final-year MBBS student at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India. She is an enthusiastic and dedicated young researcher with a deep interest in public health, community medicine, pediatrics, and fetal care medicine. Ms. Nirvignyasree has been actively involved in research activities throughout her undergraduate studies and was selected for the prestigious Short Term Studentship (STS) Project awarded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India.

Her research focuses on improving health outcomes through evidence-based interventions, particularly among underserved populations, with a growing interest in maternal and child health, developmental pediatrics, and prenatal care. She is highly committed to continuing her academic journey with an emphasis on research, innovation, and advancing healthcare delivery through patient-centered and community-oriented approaches. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6844-7489

Dr. Fawwad M Shaikh, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India

is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India. He holds over 10 years of teaching and research experience in the field of Community Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Shaikh has actively contributed to medical education, healthcare delivery, and community-based research, with numerous research publications in indexed national and international journals to his credit. His academic interests include epidemiology, non-communicable diseases, health education, and preventive medicine. He is dedicated to advancing community health through evidence-based practice and innovative public health interventions. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9641-9097

Dr. Bollampalli Babu Rao, Professor and Head of Department,, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India

is currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and public health practice, Dr. Rao has been instrumental in guiding both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the field of preventive and social medicine. His academic contributions include numerous research publications in reputed national and international journals. His areas of interest span epidemiology, health promotion, disease prevention, and community-based healthcare interventions. Dr. Rao remains dedicated to advancing community health through education, research, and outreach programs.

Dr. N. Jayalatha, Principal and Professor of Radiology, Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India

is currently serving as the Principal and Professor of Radiology at Government Medical College, Suryapet, Telangana, India. With a distinguished career in medical education, leadership, and clinical radiology, Dr. Jayalatha has contributed significantly to the academic growth and institutional development of the college. She has vast experience in teaching, administration, and diagnostic imaging and has mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her areas of expertise include advanced imaging techniques, cross-sectional radiology, and academic leadership. Dr. Jayalatha is committed to fostering excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8294-2223

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