# Nutritional Problems Among Special Needs Children in a Rural Special Needs Children Home Near Chennai

## TL;DR

This study found that most special needs children in a rural home near Chennai suffer from nutritional deficiencies and malnourishment, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the nutritional status and healthcare-seeking behavior of special needs children in a rural setting.

## Key findings

- 65.22% of the children were underweight, indicating widespread nutritional deficiency.
- Only 37% of children sought healthcare from government facilities.
- Referral advice was provided to children requiring specialized care.

## Abstract

Background

Special needs children have various health problems, and the most common problems are nutritional deficiency and malnourishment which leads to increased morbidity affecting their quality of life. This study aims to assess the nutritional status and health-seeking behaviour of special needs children.

Methods

The study was conducted among 46 special needs children at a special needs children's home. After collecting basic sociodemographic details, they were assessed for nutritional status and health-seeking behaviour using a semi-structured questionnaire followed by general and clinical examination.

Results

Out of these 46 special needs children, 69.6% were male and 30.4% were female. The mean age was 11.69±4.62 years. In this study, 65.22% were underweight; 6.52% were overweight; 10.87% were obese I; 4.35% were obese III; 13.04% were normal. Among them, 37% seek Government healthcare facilities for their healthcare needs. Referral advice was provided to all required children.

Conclusion

A high proportion of the special needs children were screened positive for nutritional deficiency and malnourishment which needs to be addressed. Interventions should be aimed at correcting the nutritional deficiency and malnourishment by involving the caretakers, mainly mothers of these children.