A STUDY OF THE HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ANGANWADI ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN THE FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF URBAN HEALTH CENTRE JONAKAPURAM, TRAVANCORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, KOLLAM.

Dr.Malini M Bhattathiry

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2016

A STUDY OF THE HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ANGANWADI ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN THE FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF URBAN HEALTH CENTRE JONAKAPURAM, TRAVANCORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, KOLLAM.

Dr. Malini M Bhattathiry

Abstract :

Background:– Adolescence is a significant period for physical growth and development It is closely linked to the diet received during childhood and adolescence. The aim of the study was to assess the health and nutritional status as well as the proportion of malnutrition among adolescent girls and the associated risk factors. METHODOLOGY : Community based cross sectional study which was done among fifty four adolescent girls in the field practice area of Jonakapuram. Majority of the adolescent girls belonged to early adolescence (40.7%) . 11.1% had past history of respiratory infections .Pallor suggestive of anemia was found in 33.3% of the study group . 2% had pedal edema suggestive of protein energy malnutrition. BMI assessment showed more than half (55.55%) were underweight .Recommendations after the problem analysis was that Anganwadi workers should be educated about adolescent health issues and their proper management . There should be classes about adolescent health problems in each anganwadis providing the adolescent girls with maximum benefits possible.