Assessment of Nutritional Status of Adolescents (13-14 Years of Age) in Rural Areas of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh

Nutritional requirements during adolescence increase tremendously compared to preceding years of growth. The aim of this present study was to assess the nutritional status based on the dietary intake among the adolescents in rural areas. A community based cross-sectional study was carried out in rural areas of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh and 180 adolescents were selected from the age group 13 - 14 years. The tools used for the study are a pre-tested, well designed questionnaire that included anthropometric measurements, socio-demographic data& 24-hour diet recall. The daily nutrient intake was compared with the ICMR Recommended Dietary Allowances. Nutritional status was assessed by comparing obtained values with reference values for Height-for-age and BMI- for-age growth standards, WHO, 2007. The mean height observed in boys was 154.2 cm whereas in girls, it was 152.1 cm. From the Height for Age parameters, data revealed that majority of the adolescents fell in the normal range, i. e. , 75.3 %. Stunting was seen in boys (14.2 %) more than in girls (10.5 %). BMI for Age parameters revealed that most of the adolescents i. e. , 46.1 % fell in the normal range whereas wasting was seen more in girls (17.8 %) than in boys (14.9 %). It also showed that more boys (23 %) were at a high risk of being overweight than girls (12 %) and overweight was seen in both boys (2.1 %) and girls (2.5 %). Only 4.2 % boys were recorded to be Obese. The study also revealed that nutrients intake of Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Calcium and Iron were significantly lower than the RDA at 5 % significance level. The findings reiterate the fact that dietary deficiencies among adolescents adversely affect their nutritional status. Hence health education and nutrition intervention programs are needed on priority basis.