A Cross-sectional Study on the Prevalence of Thinness based on the Body Mass Index among the children in VI to VIII Stds in a Government school in Minjur, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu 2011

Adequate nutrition during this period is of utmost importance for optimal health. Under-nutrition during the early adolescence is of utmost important public health problem in developing countries. Early detection and intervention of under-nutrition in this period is very important measure to prevent adverse health problems. This study is designed to assess the prevalence of under-nutrition (Thinness) among the early adolescence in rural setup in Tamil Nadu. Objective To assess the prevalence of thinness based on Body Mass Index among the students in VI to VIII standards in a Government school in rural area of Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods A Cross-sectional study was done among the early adolescent school children both boys and girls aged 11 to 13 years studying in VI VIII stds. in Government school in Minjur in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu during September 2011. Anthropometric measurements like Height and weight were recorded. Thinness was defined as BMI 5th percentile for age sex - CDC 2000, WHO classification of severity and data was analyzed. Results The prevalence of thinness was higher among the girls (63) than boys which was 52.5. Severe thinness was prevalent higher in girls (48) than boys (14.5) statistically significant. Conclusions Under-nutrition among the early adolescents is an important public health problem which needs special focus on health education, nutritional and community programs to alleviate this problem and to attain a future productive life.