Adolescence is crucial period of human growth and development which may be determined genetically but also related to socio economic and other factors. Therefore an attempt was made in the present study to assess the nutritional profile of adolescent girls in relation to socio economic status(SES). One hundred and eighty girls aged 13–15 years were purposively selected from government and public schools located in Hanumangarh city, Rajasthan. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements, dietary survey and haemoglobin estimation using standard techniques. Anthropometric measurements indicated that in comparison to standard height (NCHS), mean percent weight was minimumin lower class (83.71 - 94.81) and maximum in upper class (96.14–106.09). Classification based on weight for age showed that girls innormal category were more from upper SES group (96.33%) than middle SES group (81.66%). No significant difference was found between SES groups and grades of malnutrition as per height/age classification but with respect to weight/age category a highly significant (p<0.01) differencewas noted. The intake of energy and protein was found comparatively higher in upper class, whereas intake of calcium, iron, â-carotene and vitamin C was found higher in middle class. In comparison to RDA, the intake of all the nutrients was low irrespective of SES class. The mean haemoglobin level of selected respondents was lower than the normal level (e”12 g/dl) in all the three SES groups and no significant association was found between SES and grades of anemia.
Socioeconomic status, Adolescent, Nutritional profile
