Author(s): Karuppasamy Packiyam, Susheela Thirumaran, Saraswathy Eswaran and D Malathi

Abstract:
The socio-economic, dietary pattern and clinical status of selected rural / urban population in Coimbatore district were studied. The questionnaire was administered by interview method to a group of women members of Veerakeralam block of Coimbatore District. As planned two blocks in district with 3 villages each covering a total population of 300 was selected. Lectures and demonstrations were conducted for the women’s group by the consultant, scientist and co-investigator. The clinical study was conducted in Thondamuthoor block with Clinical Physician, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. In Coimbatore district 106 (35%) of the families had the low income of less than Rs. 2500. Of the total 247 families studied in Coimbatore district 61 (20.33%), 155 (51.67%), 16 (5.33%) and 15 (5%) had qualified up to primary, secondary, higher secondary and higher education respectively. A total of 67 (22.33%) families utilize the facility of free education. The expenditure pattern for cereals revealed that maximum number of 300 families purchase boiled rice. The meal planning is done only in 52 families (17%), those who don’t plan the meal in Coimbatore with 248 (83%). Weaning foods as supplements are introduced at the age of 8 months by 135 families and at one year by 165 families. Among the 300 studied 7.33%, 21.33% and 13.66% showed sparse, discolored and easily pluckable hair. It is encouraging to have 57.66% with normal hair. With reference to face, 96.33% had normal, 3.00% had moon face and only 0.66% with Nasolabial Dysebacea. A number of 29 (9.66%) persons had mild anaemic and 26 (8.66%) persons had anaemic among the total of 300 families.