Associates of risk factors in ICDS and non-ICDS 'at risk' underfives of Varanasi City.

摘要

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme was launched in India in order to enhance child survival and ensure optimal growth and development of preschool children. In the ICDS scheme, there is a provision of identification of at-risk (undernourished) children and to provide them special care. A cross sectional study was conducted in 2 ICDS and 2 non-ICDS slum units in Varanasi City, India. 227 children and 231 children under 5 years of age in ICDS and non-ICDS units, respectively, were enrolled in the study. The overall prevalence of at-risk children in the ICDS and non-ICDS areas was 75.7% and 77.0%, respectively. There were no significant differences in risk scores among the subjects of the 2 areas. Higher risk scores were associated with coming from Muslim families, belonging to low income groups, having fathers working on daily wagers, having illiterate parents, and the presence of overcrowding..