Vol. 8, Issue 12 (2019)

Author(s):
Suneetha Runjala, E Karuna Sree, V Nagarjuna, E Ravigoud, V Yugandhar, G Sandeep Naik and M Ramakrishna

Abstract:
Nutrition education at school level can provide the knowledge and skills to improve the dietary attitudes and behaviors of the children. The present study was conducted with the objective to assess impact of Nutrition Education Programme on Nutritional Status of Adolescent girls in four welfare hostels. 200 girls in the age group of 13-15 years were enrolled from four residential welfare schools of YSR Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh. Different aspects of nutrition were selected i.e., food, food groups, functions of food, nutritional deficiency disorders. Food intake was calculated using 24 hour recall method. Anthropometric measurements height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated for each girl. Lean has been assessed among adolescent girls using BMI for age. Results of this study Anthropometric measurement revealed that maximum percentage of subjects belonging to underweight, followed by ideal BMI. According to the z-score moderate malnutrition was found in 93% respondents at base line and after Nutrition Education Programme, (NEP) it was found in 72.5%. At base line 7% of the respondents were lying in normal category, after NEP this percent was increased up to 27.5% respectively. The Adequacy of Food and nutrient intake data showed that the mean nutrient intake of all the nutrients (Vitamins A, B and minerals Calcium, Iron) were lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Their diet was found grossly inadequate at base line in cereals, pulses, milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, fruits, other vegetables and fats and oils, whereas adequacy for only carbohydrate was found more than Recommended Dietary Intake. The results of the study thus conclude that Nutrition Education Programme made a significant impact in improvement of nutritional status of adolescent girls.