Nutritional Scenario of Adolescent Boys in Dhaka University Campus
Keywords:
Adolescent boys. Nutritional status, Dhaka University Campus School.Abstract
A cross sectional study was carried out among the adolescent boys (11-15 years) in two
selective schools (University Laboratory School and Udoyan School) in Dhaka
University campus to investigate the nutritional and health status as well as socioeconomic
condition. Nutritional status was determined anthropometrically and
biochemically (hemoglobin estimation). According to the body mass index, two-third of
the boys (75.7%) were normal, 15.4% were over-weight and only 8.9% were found to be
thinner. The percent prevalence of anemia was 7.1% based on WHO criteria and the
mean hemoglobin level was 14.35 g/dl (±1.38). Energy intake of the boys aged 11-12
years met 79.31% of RDA and those of 13-15 years met 76.09% of RDA. Protein intake
of all the boys was more than RDA. Dietary intake of vitamin A was more than 90% of
RDA. and that for thiamin and niacin was more than RDA. Iron intake was 60.4% and
66.45% of RDA for the two groups of boys. Vitamin C intake was inadequate (46.76%
and 36.06% RDA) for the respective group of boys. Nutritional status (anthropometric) is
directly associated with expenditure on food. Percentage of thinness decreased as
expenditure on food increased. Monthly expenditure on food had significant relation with
hemoglobin level of the adolescents. Most of the participants (67.5%) did not suffer from
any disease. Rest of the boys suffered from fever (23.6%), diarrhea (10.9%), common
cold (29.1%), respiratory infection (9.1%), measles (3.6%), typhoid (5.5%) and others
(18.2%).