European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program has been operation for more than three decades in India. The success of ICDS program in tackling maternal and childhood problems still remain a matter of concern. The present study was conducted to assess issues related to Anganwadi Worker (AWW) and Anganwadi centre (AWC) including infrastructure facilities.
Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in 56 Anganwadi centres (AWCs) of Chitradurga district using a predesigned questionnaire containing 42 questions by interns. The details regarding the infrastructure, process indicators and outcome indicators were collected and analyzed.
Results: All the AWCS visited provided 100% PSE and 100% SN coverage among children. A majority of pregnant and lactating mothers (73.3%) & adolescent girls (57.3%) were availing ICDS services. One third of AWCs reported an interruption in the availability of commodities by the government.
Conclusion: The study has reported gaps in terms of infrastructure facilities and safe and continuous drinking water supply. A number of issues pertaining to the ICDS scheme must be identified for the optimized functioning of AWC and it needs to be promptly addressed.