International Journal of Food and Nutritional Science | Volume 5 | Issue 1 | 2018-10-24

Assessment of Nutritional Status of School Going Girls in Sargodha

Tusneem Kausar

Abstract

Malnutrition is one of the major public health problems of developing countries. Poor financial status, large family size and poor knowledge about health and nutrition lead towards poor growth and mental development of children. Present study was conducted to assess the nutritional status of school going girls (12-15 years) of Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 200 girls were assessed for nutritional and physical health status by socio-demographic data, anthropometric measurements, clinical assessment and dietary assessment in a cross sectional study. The results depicts that most of the girls were malnourished and belong to poor socio-economic status (74.5%) with uneducated parent. Measurement of BMI revealed a higher number of malnutrition in these girls. The prevalence of underweight was 80% in 12 year, 58% in 13 year, 52% in 14 years old girls. Most of the girls have rough hairs, pale eyes and plaque on teeth.Intake of different fruit groups was below its RDA. It is suggested to plan and launch awareness program regarding balance diet, nutritional status and to introduce nutrient rich recipes for school children.

Keywords: Malnutrition, BMI, Balance diet, Nutritional status