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Nutritional status
is a positive health indicator (WHO, 1981 p32). There are many
ways to measure nutritional status. Among these, the
weight-for-age status of the preschool children, is considered to
be the most sensitive indicator of community nutrition. For adults
the body mass index (BMI) is considered more appropriate. The
National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) at the National
Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad assesses nutrition situation in
the country on a continuous basis. NNMB measures nutrition status
in 10 states including Andhra Pradesh. Statistics and data
regarding nutritional status of AP and other states has been
culled out from periodic reports of the NNMB. The
NNMB has so far conducted one reference and two repeat surveys to
assess changes in nutritional status of population in the study
states. The reference survey took place in 1975-79 and the two
repeat surveys took place during 1988-90 and 1996-97. The National
Family and Health Surveys (NFHS) provide an independent estimate
of prevalence of malnutrition among preschool children. Two NFHS
have been conducted in the country so far.
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