Nutritional Status of the Under Five Children of Armed Forces Personnel

Abstract

Three hundred and one underfive children belonging to Anned Forces families were studied for their anthropometric and haemoglobin status. Their weights, MUAC and haemoglobin were superior as compared with the children in the general civil population as reported in various studies. 82.39% had weights above 80% of Harvard median. Chest circumference and head circumference crossing took place between 12·23 months. 69.56% had MUAC within normal limits and 59.81 % had haemoglobin levels of 11 gmIdl or more. The healthier nutritional status of the underfives in the Armed Forces population is attributable to a healthier environment and an easy access to comprehe~ive health care facilities made avallable to them. It can be further improved by augmenting and modernising the MCH services with a view to provide quality care. MJAFI 1999; 55 : 296·298

Health care for children in Indian Armed Forces

“…A study by Kapilashrami et al concluded that the health status of fewer than five children in Armed Forces is better than their civilian counterparts. 8 However, families often have to move back to their hometowns due to exigencies of services. These towns/ villages at times are in remote locations with inadequate health care facilities.…”