Evaluation of the Basic Infrastructure and Logistics at Anganwadi Centers in Urban Field Practice Area, Raichur – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: The Integrated Child Development Services Scheme is launched for early childhood care and development. It provides preschool nonformal education and nutrition to decrease malnutrition and morbidity in the form of Anganwadi centers (AWCs). Poor infrastructure can cause health problems of both service providers and beneficiaries and also lead to loss of beneficiaries. Objectives: To assess basic infrastructure and logistics at AWCs in the urban field practice area. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 35 AWCs for 2 months. A pretested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect information about basic infrastructure among Anganwadi workers. A simple descriptive statistic was done using the Epi Info version 7.0. Frequencies, percentages, and mean were computed. Results: In this study, majority of AWCs were graded as Good on the basis of the presence of infrastructure and logistics. Only 17 (48.6%) AWCs surroundings were hygienic. 77% and 71% of AWCs had adequate indoor space and outdoor space, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows that the majority of the AWCs were not built according to the norms. AWC should have hygienic surroundings and basic facilities as they will impact the health of the children.