Abstract

Dr. B. Bhavadharani*, Dr. P. Radha Kumari and Dr. A. Sita Rama

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescence is the vulnerable period where the adolescents may get influenced by the lifestyles and dietary patterns of their peer group. Any excess or inadequate diet may affect their growth and development. If the nutrition remains uncorrected, they will carry this burden to the next generation. Hence, the present study was aimed to analyze the factors associated with the nutritional status of adolescents aged 15-18 years in Guntur. Objectives: To know the prevalence of malnutrition and factors associated with the nutritional status and its association with socio-demographic patterns and dietary patterns. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to June 2022 in different schools and colleges in the urban area of Guntur. The study population comprised of adolescents aged 15-18 years attending schools and colleges in Guntur. All the randomly selected adolescents aged 15-18 years were personally interviewed with the help of a pre-designed, pretested & semi-structured questionnaire regarding demographic factors, type of family, dietary pattern and socio-economic status. Anthropometric measurements like height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (kg/m2), waist and hip circumferences(cm) were measured followed by clinical examination. Results: The prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 43% particularly among 15-16 aged adolescents whereas the prevalence of overnutrition was found to be 17%. Conclusion: Health education to adolescents regarding better lifestyle patterns and existing nutrition programmes and their benefits should be provided adequately.