IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-8-12-23545 Original Research Paper A KAP STUDY ON NUTRITION AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS ATTENDING A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN AN URBAN AREA IN MALDA DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL Debjani Sengupta Dr. December 2019 8 12 01 02 ABSTRACT

Introduction: Health and nutrition of adolescent girls are key determinants of health status of the community. An assessment was designed to review knowledge, attitude and practice of school going adolescent girls from a school of Malda, West Bengal. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted for those studying in class IX & X of a secondary girls’ school. Data were collected using predesigned pretested questionnaire and analyzed in MS excel. Result 52.1% missed breakfast and 89% missed one major meal in last one week. 63% though aware of sources failed to consume iron rich foods. Awareness and practice of consuming vitamin A and iodine rich foods were not satisfactory. Discussion Compared to many other studies, skipping meals or breakfast were more common in this study. Pushing the age bar for mid–day meal scheme beyond class VIII and addition of breakfast in the scheme might help in bridging the gap.