Assessment of the Nutritional Disorders among School Going Adolescents in Rural Bankura District of West Bengal: A Cross-Sessional Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescent is very crucial period of life for growth and development of body and mind. Nutrition
influences growth and development throughout infancy, childhood and adolescents.
Aims: To find out the prevalence of nutritional deficiency disorders and dietary assessment among adolescent age
group.
Materials and Methods: Community based descriptive cross- sectional study was conducted among 6 rural
schools of Bankura-I community development block in Bankura district from February to May 2014. With the help
of pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule total 600 adolescent students were interviewed and clinical
examinations were done.
Results: Mean age of study population was 13.2± 2.19 years. 7.0% of pupils were vegetarian and 93.0% was nonvegetarian.
More than one fourth students consumed fast food /junk foods ≥ 3 serving/ week in this study. Total
442 students were eligible for mid-day meal. Out of that 5.7% student did not take mid-day meal from their school.
Iron folic acid (IFA) tablet was given only to girl students. 55.6% girls consumed IFA tab but rest did not consume
IFA tablets. Pallor was detected clinically in 33.5% of adolescents.
Conclusions: School based as well as Community-based adolescent-friendly health and nutrition education and
services and economic development may improve the overall health and nutritional knowledge and status of
adolescents.