Abstract:
The study setting was the ECCD centers where both preschools and day care centers are
conducted together. Computed sample size for the day care ( DCC) and home care (HC)
children were 102 and 210 respectively. As there were only 105 DCC children it was
decided to include all of them. Twice the number of DCC children recruited from each
centre were selected to the HC group using simple random sampling. A self administered
questionnaire was used to collect relevant data and nutritional status of individual child
was assessed using standardized techniques. Under nutrition was assessed in terms of
underweight, stunting and wasting. The two groups were compared in relevance to the
nutritional status and other relevant variables using chi square test. Even though the two
groups had significant differences in relation to sociodemographi charactristics, growth
monitoring, presence of illnesses with in previous two weeks and food habits none of these
factors were found to relate with the under nutritional status of the DCC or HC group.
Study revealed that there is no significant difference in nutritional status in day care center
cared and home cared, 2-5 year preschoolers in MOH area Gampaha . No significant
associations were there in relation to the studied sociodemographic characteristics with the
under nutritionsal status of DCC or HC groups. As the studied groups are highly vulnerable
for nutritional deficiencies and it affect every aspect of their future life, furture studies on
nutrition on this group is very important for the betternment of the future generation.
