Nutritional Status Based on Z-Scores of Boys With Two Dietary Habits in a Sainik School

Abstract

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of vegetarian and non vegetarian boys studying in Sainik school (based on z-scores). Methods: The present study was based on anthropometric data of 342 boys age group between 13 to 18 years collected at Sainik School, Bijapur. Three anthropometric indices were adopted for assessing the nutritional status of children. viz. weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI for age. The data were analysed statistically, using SPSS Window software. Result: A total of 12.40% vegetarian and 11.40% non vegetarian boys were classified under moderate stunting z-score values for height for age. Around 5.70% vegetarian and 3.40% non vegetarian were underweight with a z-score value of moderate weight-for-age. Differences observed were higher body weight of non vegetarian boys as compared to vegetarian boys. The values of fat%, fat mass and mid upper arm circumference were significantly higher among non vegetarians as compared to vegetarians (p< 0.05). Conclusion: There were no significant difference between vegetarian and non vegetarian boys in terms of BMI-for-age, weight-for-age and height-for-age. However, sigificant differences were observed for moderate z-score value of weight for age and height for age among non vegetarian and vegetarian boys. 5.7% vegetarian and 3.4% non vegetarian boys showed a moderate z-score value of weight-for-age indicating underweight and 12.4% vegetarian and 11.4% non vegetarian boys showed a moderate z-score value of height-for-age indicative of stunting. More than 85% of both vegetarian and non vegetarian boys/cadets were growing up normally and quite healthy.

Keywords

• z- scores
• vegetarian
• non vegetarian
• children
• nutritional status