Evaluation of Health Status of 3-5 Years Children from Rural and Urban areas of Hisar (Haryana) Aditi Sharma, Monica Sharma and Sangeeta C. Sindhu Department of Food and Nutrition CCS HAU, Hisar-125004 (Haryana), India ABSTRACT Children aged 3-5 years face increased risks of malnutrition due to factors like dietary habits and economic constraints. The prevalence of undernutrition is a growing concern in rural areas, while overnutrition is on the rise in urban settings. Insufficient nutrition knowledge and unfamiliarity with local food values contribute to these deficiencies. This study, which involved two hundred children aged 3-5 years, was conducted in both rural and urban areas of Hisar. It assessed various aspects including anthropometry, biochemical markers, dietary intake, and the nutrition knowledge of mothers. The findings revealed that incidences of overall malnutrition were more prevalent among children from lower income groups and those with less educated mothers, as indicated by Weight for Age.. The study also noted that Height for Age (HAZ) Z scores were low in children belonging to low income groups. This research sheds light on the multifaceted factors contributing to the poor nutritional status of children. It provides valuable insights for developing strategies to combat malnutrition, ultimately working towards a healthier and more productive nation.