Author(s): Mohit Goyal and Ritu Chikkara

Abstract:
Present investigation was undertaken to assess the food consumption patterns and nutritional assessment of rural women from Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh. Two hundred rural women from two villages of Hapur district were selected. Information was collected on socio-economic status, dietary habits, food and nutrient intake (24-h recall method), clinical assessment of rural women and nutritional knowledge respondent. Majority of respondents were in low-income category (Rs. < 10000) The intake of cereals, pulses, milk and milk products, roots and tubers, other vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fruits, sugar and jaggery and fats and oils were significantly (p<0.05) lower than RDI in the respondents. Majority of the respondents had inadequate nutrition knowledge regarding nutrition before imparting nutrition education. Significant (p<0.01) increase in knowledge scores regarding sources of nutrients and other important aspects was observed after imparting nutrition education. There is an urgent need to educate rural momen about the importance of balanced diet and to include nutrient-rich recipes based on locally available food stuffs in the diet to improve their nutritional status.