Assessment of Nutritional Status and Utilization of Government Welfare Schemes among Below-Income and Middle-Class Households in Dehra Block of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Malnutrition continues to be a significant societal issue in the country of India particularly among the vulnerable population groups, such as women and young children. The current research paper measures the nutrition of young children (0 to 6 years old) and women, and surveyed the awareness and uptake of the selected government nutrition and welfare programmes across the households of Below Poverty Line (BPL) and middle income in Dehra Block of Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh. A cross-sectional research design based on community was used. The 30 households that were used to provide primary data were selected through a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic factors, dietary habits, medical conditions, and awareness and use of welfare programs such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), POSHAN Abhiyaan and the Public Distribution System (PDS). The anthropometric indicators were height, weight and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), which are all measured under the standardized protocols and the outcomes were compared with child growth standards developed by the World Health Organization. The analyses performed were descriptive and comparative statistics to determine differences between the BPL and middle-income households. Findings reveal the gaps in knowledge and access to particular welfare programs, especially the POSHAN Abhiyaan, and permanent threats of anemia and malnutrition in children and women. Such results highlight the need to promote awareness initiatives, strengthen service provision through Anganwadi and ASHA employees, and interventions that would help to increase the impact of nutrition-related welfare programs at the community level.