S, Patankar P. (2000). Effect of Diet on the Educational Performance of the Girl-Child at Primary Level in Kolhapur City – A Study. Unpublished. Ph.D., Education. Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
The objectives of study were: (1) To identify and classify girl-child based on her dietary intake. (2) To compare the diet intake of girl children of private aided Marathi medium primary schools with that of government Marathi medium primary schools. (3) To compare the effect of diet on the educational performance of girls and boys living in the same family. (4) To find out educational performance of girl-child and its relation to their dietary intake. (5) To find out factors responsible for nutritional deprivation of girl-child. (6) To see the effect of nutrition on physical development of girl child. (7) To suggest measurement for amelioration of nutrition status and health as well as education of girl-child. (8) To find out factors responsible for poor educational performance of girl-child.
The researcher selected approximately 5% of government Marathi medium primary schools of each type were selected. Similarly, approximately 5% of girl-children from each type of schools i.e. a total number of 600 girl-children were initially selected randomly and constituted the sample.
For the present study, to conduct diet survey, three questionnaires were prepared and administered in three consecutive seasons; monsoon, winter and rainy, and after each diet survey nutrients were calculated by raw food method. Educational performance of the subjects was assessed by two methods, namely, first term examination percentage of marks and Achievement test percentage of marks.
The present research was descriptive research and used survey method to collect data from the sample in specific seasons.The data was analyzed by computing percentages and ANOVA followed by t-test.
The findings of study were: (1) The nutrient intake of girl-children was found significantly lower than recommended. Daily intake, except for fat intake, was found significantly higher than its RDA among the girl-children. (2) 23.6% of girl children were found in well nourished nutrition grade, 29.2% of girl children were found in moderately under nourished nutrition grade and 47.2% of girl-children were found in undernourished nutrition grade. (3) The educational performance of girl-children was better in well nourished nutrition grade than girl-children in moderately undernourished nutrition grade and undernourished nutrition grade. (4) The educational performance of girl-children was significantly influenced by nutrition grade i.e. their diet. (5) Nutrient intake of girl-children in private aided Marathi medium primary schools was significantly higher than government Marathi medium primary schools. (6) The nutrient-intake of boys was significantly higher than girls.
Keyword(s): Diet , Educational Performance , Girl Child, Primary Education, Kolhapur City, Nutrition