Author(s): Dr. Subhangi Sahoo

Abstract:
The current study is a part of a larger project which aimed at reducing the undernutrition levels of children below 5 years of age in the tribal pockets of Odisha. Considering the multiple work roles of women be it household activities, child care responsibilities, economic activities and non-economic activities, it is imperative to understand the mother’s availability in the household. The correlation between the mother’s hectic work schedules, the mother’s time availability and the mother-child interaction plays an integral role in the child’s wellbeing. The feeding of the child is a skilled activity and requires the supervision and the presence of the mother or any caregiver especially for young children. The samples were selected from three tribal villages of the Koraput district of Odisha. The data was collected for a one year period using a structured mother child questionnaire. A seasonal data collection was done three times in a year. The findings reveal that the child’s activity pattern is dependent on the presence of the young child. The data on the hours of separation shows that 80 percent of the mothers have been separated from their children during the harvest period. However, during the lean harvest periods, most mothers have been around their children performing their multifaceted responsibilities. A comparative study of the nutritional status of children shows a minimal reduction in the levels of undernutrition. This clearly depicts an urgent need for spreading awareness among mothers and caregivers regarding the importance of the mother and caregivers and its relationship with the child’s nutritional status.