A Study on Raising Awareness and Evaluating Nutritional Deficiencies among Rural Women to Mitigate Nutritional Deficiencies in Rural Areas

Nutrition is a key determinant of health and well-being, influencing development outcomes at both individual and societal levels. Women's roles in food selection, preparation, and caregiving make their nutritional knowledge vital for household food security. In rural areas, where women often juggle domestic responsibilities with labour-intensive agricultural work, maintaining good health becomes challenging. Nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia, calcium deficiency, and vitamin A and folic acid shortages are common, particularly during the reproductive years, pregnancy, and lactation.

Despite their critical role in the family and economy, rural women are frequently the last to eat and often consume nutritionally inadequate meals. This disparity is driven by limited awareness, educational gaps, and socio-economic constraints. The Food and Agriculture Organization (2011) reported that women account for more than 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, and in India, this number is even higher in rural areas.

While the nutritional status of the Indian population has improved in recent decades, challenges persist. Malnutrition, anaemia, and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect women disproportionately. Dietary assessment tools like the 24-hour recall method offer insight into dietary patterns and inform public health policy.

This study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of rural women using structured tools and to provide recommendations for improving health outcomes.

Objectives

1. To study the socio-demographic profile of rural women.

2. To assess their nutritional knowledge.

3. To evaluate the nutritional practices followed.

4. To educate women about balanced diets and essential nutrients to mitigate nutritional deficiencies.

Materials and Methods

Study Area and Sample

The study was conducted in four villages—Banarsi, Dharampura, Jora, and Nakati (Sammanpur)—in Dharsiwa block of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, during 2024–2025. These areas were purposively selected due to their high concentration of rural women.

A random sampling technique was used to select 250 women respondents. Data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire.

Data Collection Tools

The survey included questions on:

• Socio-demographic characteristics (age, education, occupation, income)

• Nutritional knowledge: Measured using 22 statements with "Yes" or "No" responses. Scores were categorized into adequate, moderate, and inadequate knowledge based on mean and standard deviation.

• Nutritional practices: Evaluated using 21 statements. Practices were classified as good, average, or poor.

Results and Discussion

1. Profile Characteristics

Most respondents (63.2%) were aged 20–40 years. Educational levels varied, with 31.2% being illiterate and only 7.6% having education beyond graduation. Agriculture was the primary occupation for 46%, and 56.8% had a monthly income between ₹10,000–₹19,999.

Table 1: Age and Education Distribution

Socio-Economic Status (SES):
Most women belonged to lower-middle (51%) or upper-middle (47.8%) socio-economic classes.

2. Nutritional Knowledge

A significant 62% of respondents had inadequate nutritional knowledge, 30% had moderate, and only 7.4% had adequate knowledge.

Key findings:

• Only 16% were aware of superfoods.

• 84% mistakenly believed that skipping meals is good for health.

• 89% were unaware that protein is necessary for growth.

• 77.6% acknowledged the benefits of morning walks and jogging.

Table 2: Selected Nutritional Knowledge Indicators

3. Nutritional Practices

Poor practices were found among 68.6% of respondents. Only 9.2% demonstrated good practices.

Common issues included:

• Low consumption of millets (13.2%), chia/flax seeds (8.4%), and eggs (9.2%).

• 88.4% drank direct tap water.

• 72% did not wash hands before meals.

• 48% regularly skipped meals.

Table 3: Selected Nutritional Practices

Discussion

The study highlights a concerning gap between nutritional awareness and actual practices. Despite some basic knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., consumption of GLVs and physical activity), significant misinformation and poor practices persist.

Cultural norms, time constraints, education level, and workload contribute to these challenges. There is a need for accessible, community-based nutrition education tailored to the realities of rural women’s lives.

Guidelines for Nutritional Improvement

1. Promote the five-food-group approach to meal planning.

2. Include nutrition education in community programs.

3. Encourage consumption of millets, green leafy vegetables, and locally available nutritious foods.

4. Promote hygiene practices such as handwashing and safe drinking water.

5. Foster kitchen gardening to improve access to fresh produce.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that the majority of rural women possess inadequate knowledge and demonstrate poor nutritional practices. Enhancing their understanding through education, training, and community-based interventions is essential. Nutrition-focused extension programs, media campaigns, and printed materials can empower women to make informed choices and improve family health outcomes.