Nutritional profile of preschool children of armed forces families around Hyderabad.

Three hundred and fifty three preschool children (1 to 5 years) belonging to armed forces families of non-officers (who often come from rural background) stationed at Military Station, Golconda, Hyderabad were studied for their clinical examination and anthropometric status. Diet survey by oral questionnaire was also carried out on a sub-sample of 48 children. The heights and weights of children from families of armed forces were far superior to those of rural Indian preschool children, but they were marginally shorter and lighter than those of well-to-do Hyderabad children. About 92% of the children had weights above 80% of Harvard median. The practical implication of these findings is that the children of rural families, with the usual socioeconomic constraints, when provided with steady income and comprehensive health care can be expected to achieve a growth status which is almost comparable to that of well-to-do children.