Growth pattern analysis of preschool children in scheduled tribe communities of Raipur block, Bankura district, West Bengal: A cross-sectional anthropometric study

Abstract

Undernutrition among tribal children in India remains a critical public health concern. This study investigates the growth patterns and nutritional status of preschool children aged 1–5 years in scheduled tribe communities in Raipur Block, Bankura District, West Bengal. Employing anthropometric measurements such as weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), the study assesses the nutritional status of 403 children (204 boys and 199 girls) selected through simple random sampling across five villages: Tungi, Banpathari, Siromonipur, Rautara, and Kamardiha. The findings revealed alarming levels of undernutrition. Among boys, only 14% had normal weight-for-age, while 36% of both were classified under Grade-I and Grade-II undernutrition, and 14% were Grade-III undernourished. Among girls, 13% were normal, with 40% in Grade-I, 38% in Grade-II, and 10% in Grade-III. Stunting affected 41% of boys and 34% of girls. The MUAC data showed that 46% of boys and 52% of girls were severely undernourished. However, weight-for-height analysis presented a relatively better picture, with 87% of boys and 82% of girls within the normal range. These results highlights the urgent need for nutritional interventions in tribal communities of that region. Undernutrition in early childhood can result in irreversible physical and cognitive impairments which will impose a remarkable loss in human resources at national level in future. Targeted policy and community-based approaches should be initiated to improve food security, maternal awareness, and healthcare access among tribal families. This study provides evidence-based insights for designing local strategies to improve child health in marginalized communities.