A study of changes in socioeconomic conditions, dietary intake and nutritional status of Indian rural families over a decade

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Abstract
A study was carried out among a rural population to measure changes, that had occurred in the socio‐economic conditions, dietary intake and nutritional status of Indian families over a decade. A comparison of data collected from the same families during 1961 and 1974 showed some favourable changes in the socioeconomic pattern by way of regular employment opportunities, and an increase in educational status. But environmental sanitation remained practically the same. The effect of an increase in the real income status was not seen because of the increase in prices of food and non‐food items. Diet and nutrient intake did not change much over the decade except for an increase in the calcium intake, attributable to an increase in milk, intake. Mean values for heights and weights of subjects were similar in 1961 and 1974. Mild forms of protein‐calorie malnutrition continued to be prevalent among pre‐school children, as were signs of B‐complex deficiency in all age groups. The mortality rate of children below five years of age showed a tendency to decline over the years.

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