INTRODUCTIONThe school going age is the dynamic period of physical growth and development, when children undergo mental, emotional and social change. School health services still is a neglected branch of community health. 1 st school health service was started in Baroda city in 1909. 1 India is in the phase of socio-demographic and health transition. Optimal nutrition and good health is important for overall human development. There is variation in nutrition status of people living in urban and rural areas. 2 Urban poor are the most neglected peoples in the community. This study peeps into the socio-demographic factors associated with malnutrition among school going children living in an urban slum area. Aims and objectives1. To find out the prevalence of malnutrition among school children in a slum area of a metropolitan city. 2. To find out socio-demographic determinants of malnutrition. 3. To find out prevalence of nutritional anaemia among school children in slum area and determine association with malnutrition. METHODS Study design:Cross sectional study. Study setting:Study was conducted in a slum area of a metropolitan city in central India. ABSTRACTBackground: Children residing in urban slum area are the most vulnerable. Poverty, illiteracy, neglect of health, low socioeconomic status and non-affordability of quality health care services make them more vulnerable to malnutrition. Methods: 361 school going children residing in urban slum area were included in study. Socio-demographic details of the children taken from their parents. Health check-up was done. Results: Prevalence of malnutrition was 40.17%. 17.17% children were underweight and 22.99% were stunted. Conclusions: Family size and socioeconomic status are the important determinants of malnutrition.

Background: Under five mortality rate (U5MR) of India is 36. Malnutrition is most important factor contributing to under five mortality.Methods: 354 children in the age group 0-5 years were included in the study. Weight, height and Mid Upper arm circumference was measured. Data was analyzed by using ‘Anthro’ software. Z scores were calculated. Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was calculated.Results: Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight is 35%, 6.4% and 15.8% respectively.Conclusions: Malnutrition is statistically associated with socioeconomic status, maternal literacy and exclusive breast feeding.

Background: India is facing serious hunger situation now. Factors responsible for this hunger situation are different. This study focuses on hunger situation in 4 different states of India and remedial measures.Methods: Secondary data was collected from National Family Health Survey-IV (NFHS). Data entry was done in excel sheet. GHI was calculated using new formula given by IFPRI.Results: There are wide disparities in hunger situation in Indian states. Madhya Pradesh is in alarming state of hunger.Conclusions: Hunger situation in Indian states varies from states to states. Different types of interventions are required at each state level to improve the overall hunger situation.

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