Nutritional status of adolescents at a rural health centre of Dakshina kannada district of Karnataka

Background: There are about 1.2 billion adolescents, a fifth of the world's population and their numbers are increasing. Hence it is essential to assess their nutritional status. Objectives: To study the nutritional status of rural adolescents, to determine the type of malnutrition among them. Methods: The study was conducted among 100 adolescents (12-18 years) of both the sexes in the rural primary health centre Guttigar, Sullia Taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka between April - June 2014. Results: Study found that 64% had chronic energy deficiency, 19% - underweight, 16% - normal and only 1% was overweight. it was observed that there was a significant association between BMI and sex; BMI and Age. Conclusion: Findings of the present study indicate that under nutrition is the major problem of adolescents than overweight or obesity. Therefore the study suggests a need to adapt a strong nutritional intervention programme