Original Research Article
Year: 2016 | Month: July | Volume: 6 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 300-304
An Evaluation about the Effectiveness of Mid Day Meal Scheme to Reduce Malnutrition: A Comparative Study
Shailja Singh1, Nisha Gupta2
1Research Scholar, Lucknow University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
2Professor and Head, Department of Home Science, Mahila P.G. College, Lucknow, India.
Corresponding Author: Shailja Singh
ABSTRACT
In India, during the mid-nineties the Union Government had initiated the Mid-Day Meal schemes in schools to promote primary education on one hand, and to reduce malnutrition on the other. Malnutrition is one of a major public health concern affecting a significant number of school children influencing their health, growth and development and school academic performance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the mid day meal to reducemalnutrition.MDM and non MDM schools are selected by cluster random sampling method. Results show that the highest prevalence of severe under nutrition was found among boys (26.7%). Similarly highest prevalence of severe stunting was more among non MDM school boys (41.3%) followed by non MDM school girls (29.3%). It was concluded from the present study that mid day meal scheme has helped in promoting children towards better nutritional status but mid-day meal scheme certainly has much to contribute to the well-being and future of the children.
Key words: Malnutrition, Underweight, Stunting, Thinness, Mid day Meal.