1Assistant Professor, Department of community Medicine, Maheshwara Medical College, Hyderabad
2Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
3Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad
Malnutrition is a major public health problem affecting adolescents in developing countries including India. Early adolescence is the second critical period of rapid physical growth. A balanced diet during this period is crucial not only for growth and development but also for good dietary habit in later life.
To assess the prevalence of underweight among school going children, and to explain the factors associated with it.
A cross sectional study was conducted among students of standard VIII-X in 5 schools of field practice area of Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Schools were selected from list of schools randomly. Sampled schools were visited on a date given by school authority. Total 763 children were included in study. Pre-tested questionnaires were used to collect information. The data was analyzed by using appropriate statistical tests.
In this study prevalence of underweight was 52%, which was more among government school children (62%) than private school children (48%). In this study we found that highest prevalence of underweight was among 13 years of age group (62%). We also found that underweight was more (63%) class IV&V.
It was concluded that adolescents are facing nutritional stress in the form of underweight in both sexes.
Adolescent, Malnutrition, School children, Underweight
