Health And Well-Being Of Rural Women

Abstract

Diet and nutrition are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout the life cycle. Income, prices, individual preferences and beliefs, cultural traditions, as well as geographical, environmental, social and economic factors all interact in a complex manner to shape dietary consumption patterns and affect the morbidity and clinical status of women. A normal balanced diet must include daily foods from the various food groups in sufficient amounts to meet the needs of an individual and to increase immunity. The present study is undertaken to study the Health and Well-being of Rural women. For the purpose of study, 75 women between the age-group 25-45 years who were moderate workers, were selected from rural areas of district Yamunanagar, (Haryana). The mean daily intake of nutrients was calculated by using the Food Composition Tables and was compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances for adult women (I.C.M.R,1990).The analysis of the data showed that only 10 per cent of the studied women were consuming a balanced diet. Majority of the women were suffering from anaemia and complained of backache, head ache and pain in the body. A balanced diet ensures nutritional adequacy, increases food acceptability, adds variety and also increases the resistance to various diseases.