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Indian Journal of Nutrition

Research Article

Nutritional Status of Under Five Children of Migrant Labourers at Construction Sites in Haveli Taluka, Pune, Maharashtra

Singh B*

Rostrum India Social Organization, India
*Corresponding author: Singh B, RISO, NGO (Rostrum India Social Organization), India, Email: bharti987123@gmail.com
Article Information: Submission: 09/01/2022; Accepted: 17/02/2022; Published: 28/02/2022
Copyright: © 2022 Singh B. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Seasonal migration for work is a persistent reality in India. Around 120 million people are estimated to migrate from rural areas to urban labour markets. This study examines the nutritional status of fewer than five children of migrant construction workers who live on construction sites with their parents. Nutrition is one of the impacting factors during the growth and development period of a child. India accounts for 40% undernourished children in the world. According to NFHS- 4, 35.5% under five children are underweight, 38.4% stunted, 21% wasted in India. Community-based cross- sectional study, field work of this study was undertaken between Jan 2020 and March 2020 at five construction sites in Haveli Taluka of Pune city. Construction sites were conveniently selected. The study population was children fewer than five age group present at the construction sites during data collection and their mothers. Data was gathered from children (N=85) using anthropometric measurements and semi-structured questionnaire for their mother. The mean age of study sample was 37.12 months, 44.7% male (n=38) and 55.3% female (n=47). The overall prevalence of Underweight (Weight for age < –2SD) was 41.2%, stunting (Height for Age <– 2SD) 28.2% and wasting (Weight for Height < – 2SD) 32.9%. Birth spacing, intake of IFA during pregnancy, and source of drinking water at construction sites were significantly associated with prevalence of wasting among children (p <0.05). Birth spacing was significantly associated with stunting (p<0.05). Consumption of IFA during pregnancy was significantly associated with underweight (p<0.05). Study addresses the gap in context to migrant labourers and the health status of their children in India. Study highlights the necessity to focus on the specific needs of migrant children.