DIETARY DIVERSITY AMONG WOMEN IN THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP IN URBAN FIELD PRACTICE AREA, VIMSAR, BURLA

One of the problems among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) group has been lack of effective programs whose benefits are not reaching WRA group. Another problem is the prevalence of monotonous diet based on starchy staple food, which lacks essential micronutrients and contribute to the burden of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. The objectives of the study was to assess household dietary diversity and nutritional status of non-pregnant non-lactating women of reproductive age in urban field practice area in Burla as a way of comparing food security situation. It was a cross sectional study. Data were collected from urban field practice area in Burla and were analysed to assess the dietary diversity among “women of reproductive age (WRA)” group. One third (about 29%) of them was malnourished. On application of logistic regression, those aged ≥25years had better odds of having Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) score of 5 and above (OR=1.777). Subjects with BMI range ≥21.5 Kg/mt2 also had better odds of having MDD score of 5 and above (OR=3.371). Women of reproductive age are nutritionally more vulnerable because of pregnancy, lactation and menstruation requiring nutrient dense quality food. Monotonous diet based on starchy staple lacks essential micronutrients and contribute to the burden of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Intake of diverse diet is a cost effective strategy to overcome this problem. From our survey we conclude that more than half of WRA failed to achieve MDD. Based on findings, Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities are recommended with an emphasis on locally available, low-cost nutrition diet. Keywords: Minimum Dietary Diversity, Women of Reproductive Age, Micronutrients