Nutritional status and food habit of adolescent school girls in a rural area of Bangladesh

Abstract

A total of 136 rural adolescent school girls were examined for their nutritional status
and food habit. The girls were students o f classes seven to ten of two girls' high
schools in a rural area of the District of Ghazipur. Anthropometric gradings were
made by comparing with the NCHS median. Sixty per cent of the girls were stunted
(height for age < 95%), 36% were underweight (weight for age < 75%), 32% were thin
(weight for height < 90%). Analysis of blood revealed presence of anemia (Hb < 12
g/dl) in 21% o f the girls. Seven percent o f the girls had suboptlmal serum retinol
concentrations (< 30 ng/dl). Low serum iron concentration (< 60 ng/dl) was observed
In 40% girls, and 57% of the girls were Iron deficient (TS < 15%). Nearly all o f the
girls were marginally deficient in zinc and 12% were marginally deficient In copper.
Seven-day food frequency analysis showed wide variation In food Intake pattern.
Among the foods o f animal origin, fish were more common than meat. Eggs and milk
did not occupy satisfactory positions in their diet. Most surprisingly, vegetables
were not much common In their diet. In absence of adequate amount of meat in their
diet, vegetables could be an Important provider of dietary iron. It appears that there
Is a need to change their dietary behavior through proper nutrition education.