Vol. 10, Special Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
Maruthesha AM, Jayashree S, Sudharani N and Nagaraja Kusagur

Abstract:
The present study on socio-economic characteristics, food habits and dietary intake of rural women was conducted in selected villages of Davanagere district of Karnataka state. The selected villages were Nittur of Harihara taluk and Thurchagatta of Davanagere taluk during the year 2019-20. The data was collected from the 200 rural women using semi structured interview schedule. The collected data was analysed using appropriate statistical tools. The results of the study revealed that, majority of the rural women belonged to the age group of 21-25 years, the percentage of nuclear families were more compared to joint families with medium family size (4-6 members), only 33 per cent of them were illiterates. Majority of the rural women were marginal farmers (63%) and earn an average monthly income between Rs. 2,000-3,000 per month. The average annual income of the rural families was Rs. 38,260 from agriculture and allied activities. There was a considerable difference in monthly expenditure on food and nonfood items due to significant difference in economic status. All the rural families were non-vegetarians by habit, animal based foods were consumed twice a week by 49 per cent of the families. It was observed that majority of the rural families consumed 3 meals per day and only 18 per cent of the families consumed 2 meals per day. The diet of the rural families was monotonous, lacking variety and they care more for bulk rather than quality of the diet. Nutrient intake of rural women was compared with RDA. The intake of all nutrients viz. energy, protein, fat, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and β-carotene were low except for calcium. The per cent adequacy of nutrients was inadequate. The statistical analysis showed highly significant difference in ‘t’ test at 1 per cent level. Education, land holding, income and age had significant and positive association with nutrient intake among rural women groups.