Author(s):

Sarita Srivastava and Priyanka Kumari

Abstract: Adolescent girls are the most vulnerable section of population that constitute about one-tenth total population. Under-nutrition among adolescents is a serious public health problem, especially in India. In this context, the present study was taken up among early adolescent girls residing in the urban area of Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India. The objective of the study is to assess the Nutritional status of the early adolescent and to study the Morbidity pattern among these adolescent girls in Muzaffarpur District of Bihar. Cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of four months. 600 girls of age 13-17 years were examined during that period. Data was collected by interviewing the girls using predesigned, pre tested, semi-structured schedule. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standardized methodology as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Body Mass Index (BMI) – BMI was calculated using the formula Weight in kg/height in m². The subjects were categorized into various grade based on BMI according to WHO International Standard. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 16.0 version. A total 600 girls were studied. 37.4% were in the age group 13 years. According to WHO reference standards 56.4 % girls were under-nourished (BMI 23.5 kg/m2). 32.4% were showed clinical anaemia, 27.1% were having dental caries, 18.8 were having reproductive problem (Dysmenorrhoea), 16% were skin problem, 4% Eye problem (defective vision). It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of under nutrition, dental caries and clinical anaemia among adolescent girls in Muzaffarpur District of Bihar. The present study calls for Health education and nutrition interventions to reduce the serious health problem on priority basis.

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