Exploring demographic and socio-economic factors influencing utilization of integrated child development services

This paper investigates the demographic and socio-economic correlates of utilization of integrated child development services (ICDS) among children. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-3 (2005- 2006), an attempt has been made to find out differences in the level of utilization according to social class and household economic conditions. This paper found that the utilization was far from satisfactory cutting across social class, household economic status and other attributes. The article presents findings that could help evolve new strategies to improve the utilization of ICDS services, and potentially reduce persistent undernutrition in India.