Nutritional Status and Morbidity among School going Adolescents in Wardha, a Peri-Urban area

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and morbidity among the school going adolescents in peri urban area Wardha. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the year 2008. 116 children in the age group of 10 to 19 years studying in high school of peri urban area Wardha were examined. Nutritional status of the adolescents was assessed through weight for age (wasting) and height for age (stunting) according to WHO criteria. Data was entered and analyzed by using Epi Info 6.04 software package. Chi- square value was used for testing statistical significance. Results: Mean age of the adolescents was 13.16+ 1.99. 48.3% of the adolescents were found to be normal and 51.7% were underweight. Early adolescents were at highest risk of underweight significantly more 73.3% ( p < 0.05 ) as compared to late adolescents 26.7%. Overall 34.5% of the adolescents were stunted with boys suffering more 72.5% as compared to girls 27.5%. 28.45% of the school going adolescents had anaemia with girls suffering significantly more 38.89% (p < 0.05) as compared to boys 23.75%. 35.34% adolescents had dental caries. 13.79% adolescents were found to be suffering from refractive error. 7.76% adolescents had worm infestation. 6.9% adolescents had skin problems. 2.59% adolescents had tonsillitis and 2.59% had wax in the ear. Conclusion: The study shows the poor health and nutritional status among the adolescents. A periodical and regular health check-up with concerted efforts towards their nutrition along with focused health education will improve the health and nutritional status of these school going adolescents in peri urban area Wardha.

Keywords

• Adolescents
• Anthropometry
• Nutritional status
• Morbidity