Dietary habits and effect of two different educational tools on nutrition knowledge of school going adolescent girls in Hyderabad, India

OBJECTIVES: To assess dietary habits and nutrition knowledge levels of the adolescent girls from different schools and to study the efficacy of two different nutrition education tools in improving their nutrition knowledge in the classroom setting. DESIGN: Purposive sampling technique was adapted for selecting the subjects in the study. SETTING: Four secondary schools in Hyderabad, India. SUBJECTS: In total, 164 adolescent girls belonging to eighth grade. INTERVENTIONS: Two interventions (Intervention-1. Traditional method using print media such as folders leaflets and charts; Intervetion-2. Audio-visual CD) were carried out in a classroom setting for the experimental group. RESULTS: FFQ data on dietary consumption of adolescent girls revealed more consumption of aerated drinks, bakery items, fast foods and less consumption of millets irrespective of their socio-economic conditions. However, consumption of vegetables, green leafy vegetables and fruits was moderate. A significant improvement in the nutrition related knowledge was observed among the experimental group after interventions-1 and -2 as compared to the baseline data. However, no significant difference in the improvement of nutrition knowledge levels was observed with the second intervention over the first intervention as already the children in the experimental group gained knowledge through print media. CONCLUSIONS: Education on ill effects of aerated drinks, fast foods and the importance of nutrition during the adolescent phase should be emphasized in future programmes.     

Socioeconomic correlates of reproductive morbidity among adolescent girls in Sikkim, India

The present study investigates the prevalence of reproductive health morbidities, treatment-seeking behavior, and its association with sociodemographic correlates among unmarried and married adolescent girls of Sikkim. The study sample includes 1250 adolescent girls randomly selected from both urban and rural blocks of the State. Information on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, prevalence of reproductive health morbidities, and treatment-seeking behavior was collected using standard pretested questionnaires. RESULTS: of the study indicate that the prevalence of reproductive health morbidities among both married and unmarried girls is quite high. Age, media exposure, and economic status emerged as significant correlates of treatment-seeking practices among both married and unmarried girls. High prevalence of reproductive health morbidity in this vulnerable group, particularly in rural settings, requires urgent intervention of health planners. This study reinforces an indirect and mediatory role of socioeconomic and demographic factors in the prevalence of reproductive health morbidities and associated treatment-seeking behaviors.     

Selenium intakes,absorption, retention,and status in adolescent girls

OBJECTIVES: To assess selenium intakes, absorption, retention, and status in healthy adolescent girls and the effect of calcium supplementation on selenium parameters. DESIGN: Annual 2-week study conducted each year for 3 consecutive years in which yearly selenium intakes, absorption, and retention and blood selenium status were measured. SETTING: A metabolic unit in a large metropolitan hospital located in Columbus, Ohio--a low selenium region of the United States. SUBJECTS: Healthy white girls aged 11 to 14 years (n=16) enrolled in a calcium balance study and randomly assigned to receive a placebo of methylcellulose (n=9) or a calcium supplement containing 1,000 mg supplemental calcium as calcium citrate malate (n=7). INTERVENTIONS: Each subject consumed a diet with approximately 100 microg selenium/day during the yearly 2-week balance studies. RESULTS: Selenium status measurements (serum and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity) were all within normal ranges for adults during the study. Apparent selenium absorption averaged 71%, 76%, and 74% for years 1, 2, and 3 of the study, respectively, and did not vary significantly (P>.05). Average daily selenium retention did not differ among the years of the study (P>.05) and indicated that the usual selenium intake was approximately 100 microg daily. Measurements of selenium status and retention did not differ between calcium-supplemented and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: An intake of approximately 100 microg selenium/day is the typical intake of the mineral among the subjects and appeared adequate to maintain selenium status in these healthy adolescent girls; in addition, calcium supplementation of 1,000 mg daily does not have a negative impact on selenium parameters.     

Zinc status and sexual development in adolescent girls

Forty-eight black adolescent girls, aged 8 to 16, from the inner city of Baltimore were divided into five groups according to breast and pubic hair development. Blood and hair zinc concentrations as analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were within ranges reported by other investigators. Hair zinc levels significantly increased (p less than .05) from the second to the last stage of puberty and were significantly correlated (p less than .05) with erythrocyte zinc levels, height, and weight. Mean dietary intakes of calories and protein, as measured from a 24-hour recall, were adequate and increased with stage of breast and pubic hair development. Mean zinc intakes reported in the 24-hour recall averaged 66% of the RDA in the latter half of puberty. It appeared that zinc nutriture was generally adequate in this population, even though the dietary intake of zinc was below the recommended level.     

Attitudes toward HPV vaccination among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore,India

This study investigates attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among parents of adolescent girls in Mysore, India. Seven focus group discussions were held among parents of adolescent girls stratified by sex, religion and region to explore attitudes about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. The study found that while parents have limited knowledge about HPV or cervical cancer, most are still highly accepting an HPV vaccine. In addition, high acceptability levels appear to reflect positive attitudes toward the government universal immunization program in general, rather than to the HPV vaccine in particular. The results highlight the need for additional education and health promotion regarding HPV and cervical cancer prevention in India.     

Vitamin B-6 status of southern adolescent girls

The vitamin B-6 status of 583 white and black adolescent girls living in Alabama, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Virginia was assessed using the parameters coenzyme stimulation of erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activities and dietary intakes of the vitamin. The sample included 382 white and 201 black girls who were 12, 14, or 16 years of age; the sample was also divided into low, medium, and high per capita income groups. The height and weight measurements of the subjects were within normal ranges. The mean estimated daily vitamin B-6 intake of the girls from food sources was 1.20 mg daily, as indicated by evaluation of data obtained via two nonsequential 24-hour food recalls; about half of the subjects reported consuming less than 66% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for the vitamin. Approximately 20% of the girls had marginal vitamin B-6 status and 13%, deficient status, as indicated by coenzyme stimulation values. Coenzyme stimulation and dietary values of the race, age, and income groups were similar. Vitamin B-6 inadequacy appears to be fairly prevalent among white and black southern adolescent girls.     

Nutritional status, growth and sleep habits among Senegalese adolescent girls

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between sleep habits, nutritional status, growth and maturation in a group of African adolescent girls. The main hypothesis to be tested was that sleep length could be an effective way to spare energy, and thus malnourished girls sleep longer than normal girls. DESIGN: Three repeated yearly surveys (1997-1999) on a subsample of girls drawn from a larger study cohort on growth at adolescence. SETTING: The Niakhar district in the central part of Senegal. SUBJECT: In total, 40 girls were initially drawn. Missing girls were replaced at each round by girls having the same characteristics and belonging to the same cohort. INTERVENTION: At each round, data on pubertal development (breast stages and occurrence of menarche), growth and nutritional status were collected. Adolescents wore an accelerometer for three or four consecutive nights and days at each round. RESULTS: At the beginning of the survey, girls were 13.3+/-0.5 y old. They were under international reference values in weight and height. Their mean sleep duration was 8.5+/-0.9 h. Their puberty status did not influence their sleep habits; however, they slept more in March than in June, which was related to the seasonal change in daylight. There was a significant relation between body mass index and sleep habits: thinner girls slept a longer time and more quietly than the more corpulent girls. CONCLUSION: The nutritional status of these girls influenced their sleep habits: this may have been either a direct causal relation or a consequence of a protective attitude on the part of the mothers towards the frailer girls.     

Nutritional status of adolescent girls in regard to zinc, copper, and iron

Adolescent girls in the sixth through eight grades were surveyed for dietary intake and nutritional status in regard to zinc, copper, and iron in both the fall of 1975 and the spring of 1976. The adolescents (183 girls in the fall and 184 girls in the spring) consumed on the average 60 and 75% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances for iron and zinc, respectively. The mean concentration of zinc in hair samples was 216 +/- 64 microgram/g in the fall and 191 +/- 36 microgram/g in the spring. The mean concentration of copper in hair samples was 31 +/- 23 microgram/g. None of the girls had a concentration of zinc in their hair samples of less than 100 microgram/g. Hair concentrations of zinc anc copper were significantly correlated, but serum and hair concentrations of zinc were inversely correlated. However, in subsample of 102 girls, 3% has serum zinc levels below 70 microgram/100 ml and 4% had serum copper levels below 70 microgram/100 ml. Only 1% of the subjects had a hematocrit below 36%. No significant difference in any of these parameters was noted between girls who had experienced menarche and those who had not.     

Nutritional status and dietary habits of adolescent girls in Oman

Weight, height, and dietary patterns were obtained from 683 adolescent girls aged 11 to 18 years in five geographical regions of the Sultanate of Oman. Using body mass index (Wt/Ht²) of NHANESI as a reference for adolescence, the prevalence of under‐weight among these girls was relatively high (24%). However the nutritional status improved with age. Twelve percent of these girls were overweight or obese. Breakfast was frequently skipped (21%) by adolescent girls compared to lunch (6%) and supper (9.5%). Older (15–18 years) as well as overweight girls were more likely to skip breakfast than younger (11–14 years), normal and underweight girls. Nutritional status and age of girls were significantly associated with some foods consumed at main meals and snacking time. The pattern of skipping breakfast and the snacking habits of Omani adolescents was similar to that of their counterparts in Western communities. This suggests a change in dietary habits toward those practiced in Western communities, a change that may explain in part the steady rise in diet‐related chronic diseases in this country. It is imperative that nutrition intervention programmes should therefore consider such alteration in food habits.     

Longitudinal assessment of vitamin B-6 status in southern adolescent girls

The vitamin B-6 status of 62 black and 50 white adolescent girls living in Virginia and Alabama was assessed in 1981 and again in 1983, using the parameters coenzyme stimulation of erythrocyte alanine aminotransferase activities and dietary intakes of the vitamin. The subjects were 12 or 14 years old in 1981. The height and weight measurements of the subjects were within normal ranges. The mean daily vitamin B-6 intake of the girls from food was 1.25 mg both years, as estimated by two nonsequential 24-hour food recalls. Approximately half of the girls reported consuming less than 0.02 mg vitamin B-6 per gm protein during both years. Almost half of the girls had coenzyme stimulation values indicative of marginal or deficient status. Coenzyme stimulation and dietary values of the race, age, and income groups were similar. Changes in the status grouping of the girls between the 2 years as reflected by the coenzyme stimulation measurement were associated with changes in their vitamin B-6 intakes in 70% of the cases. Vitamin B-6 inadequacy seems to be prevalent among both black and white adolescent girls.     

Body mass index and nutritional status of adult Savar tribals of Keonjhar District, Orissa, India

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine sex differences in mean body mass index (BMI) and nutritional status (based on BMI), as well as the effect of age on BMI and nutritional status of adult Savars, a tribal population of Orissa, India. A total of 600 adult (aged > 18 years) Savars of four villages, namely, Bonianiposi, Morabali, Panchapolli and Sailong of Keonjhar District, Orissa, India, were studied. Height and weight were measured and BMI computed. Mean ages of both sexes were similar (men: mean = 38.9 years, sd = 15.3; women: mean = 38.0, sd = 13.9). Men had significantly greater mean height (p < 0.001), weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p < 0.05). The prevalence (sex combined) of undernutrition (BMI < 18.5) was found to be very high (43.5%). Moreover, there was a significant (chi2 = 7.39, p = 0.025) difference in the prevalence of undernutrition between men (38%) and women (49%). Age was significantly (p < 0.001) negatively correlated with BMI in both sexes (men: r = -0.20; women: r = -0.16). In general, the frequency of undernutrition increased with increasing age. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the prevalence of adult undernutrition was very high among Savar women and high among Savar men. These rates increased with increasing age. Therefore, from the public health point of view, immediate nutritional intervention programmes are needed for implementation among Savars, especially among older individuals. Moreover, further research is needed not only among this ethnic group but also other tribal populations of India to fully understand the causes and consequences of adult undernutrition.     

Nutritional status of adolescent girls in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of Saudi adolescent girls using weight and height measurements. A cross-sectional sample of 676 girls aged 12 to 19 years were selected from Al-Khober city, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. At all ages median (50th percentiles) heights of Saudi girls are below the 50th percentiles of the international standards. However, the median weight falls between the 75th and 50th of the standards, which may indicate a trend toward obesity. Using the body mass index for determining the nutritional status of the girls, it was found that 11% of girls were underweight, 61% were normal and 28% were overweight or obese. The findings revealed that adolescent girls in Saudi Arabia face two contrasting nutrition situations, underweight and overweight. Similar findings were reported in other Arabian Gulf countries, indicating the need for intervention programmes to promote better nutrition among school children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia.     

Nutritional status of adolescent girls of a slum community of Varanasi

In order to assess nutritional status of adolescent girls of a slum community of Varanasi and factors influencing them, this study was carried out on 70 girls belonging to the age group 13 to 18 years. The study subjects were selected from Sunderpur, an urban community of Varanasi, by adopting appropriate sampling methodology. The approach adopted for the study was a cross sectional one. The tools in the study were pre-designed and pre-tested schedule, weighing scale, steel anthoropometric rod and measuring tape. The techniques of the study included interview method, clinical examination and anthropometry. In all, 70.0% adolescent girls had BMI < 20%; 51.43% study subjects were suffering from Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED). Stunting (Height for age alpha 90%) was present in 10% of adolescent girls. Their average Weight, Height, MAC were 83.45%, 93.08% and 82.05% of the corresponding estimated reference values. Significant association of common parameters (viz., age, caste, income, type of family, working and literacy status) with nutritional status of study subjects was not observed in this study. However, lesser undernutrition in large families (> 6) indicated role of familial support in prevention of undernutrition in adolescent girls.     

Dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls

INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent during adolescence but the incidence of this disease is very often underestimated. Depending on different measurement methods 20-90% of adolescent girls report dysmenorrhea. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of dysmenorrhea among high-school female adolescent students in Eastern-Hungary. Early diagnosis and treatment of the possible pathological background is very important to prevent long term consequences. RESULTS: 2337 girls were interviewed in this study about their menstrual cycle. The overall prevalence of dysmenorrhea in this population was 79.2%. Altogether 67.0% described their pain and cramp as severe. 61.2% of the girls use some kind of medication due to dysmenorrhea. Despite these data only 1.2% of them had previous medical counseling because of their complains. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to screen female adolescents for dysmenorrhea and provide them with information on the disease and possible treatment options. Follow up of these adolescents is mandatory especially in cases not responding to standard medical treatment.     

High prevalence of Wuchereria bancrofti infection as detected by immunochromatographic card testing in five districts of Orissa, India, previously considered to be non-endemic

India accounts for over one-third of the world's burden of lymphatic filariasis (LF). Although most coastal districts of Orissa state (eastern India) are LF-endemic, the western districts of Orissa are considered non-endemic. During a large-scale insecticide-treated bed net/microfinance trial, we tested one randomly selected adult (age 15-60 years) for LF from a random sample of microfinance-member households in five districts of western Orissa, using immunochromatographic card testing (ICT). Overall, 354 (adjusted prevalence 21%, 95%CI 17-25%) of 1563 persons were ICT positive, with district-wide prevalence rates ranging from 15-32%. This finding was not explained by immigration, as only 3% of subjects had ever lived in previously known LF-endemic districts. These results therefore suggest ongoing autochthonous transmission in districts where LF control programs are not operational. Our results highlight the importance of broad, systematic surveillance for LF in India and call for the implementation of LF control programs in our study districts.     

Effectiveness of weekly supplementation of iron to control anaemia among adolescent girls of Nashik, Maharashtra, India

A national nutritional anaemia-control programme in India, focusing on supplementation of iron to pregnant women after the first trimester of pregnancy, failed to make an impact. It is prudent to recommend the correction of iron stores before the woman becomes pregnant. 'Efficacy' of weekly supplementation of iron has been proved to improve iron stores in adolescence in many studies abroad and in India. The objective was to study the 'effectiveness' of a weekly iron-supplementation regimen among urban-slum, rural, and tribal girls of Nashik district, Maharashtra, India. A baseline and the mid-term assessments were done using the cluster-sampling techniques. In each stratum, 30 clusters were identified. Twelve and 10 adolescent girls from each cluster were identified in the baseline and mid-term surveys respectively. The haemoglobin estimation was done using the HemoCue system. Data were analyzed using the Epi Info software (version 6.04). The overall prevalence of anaemia came down significantly to 54.3% from 65.3%. The decline was statistically significant (p<0.001) in tribal girls (48.6% from 68.9%) and among rural girls (51.6% from 62.8%). But the decline was not statistically significant among urban slum girls. Similarly, a significant rise in the mean haemoglobin levels was seen among tribal and rural girls. However, it did not increase significantly among urban slum girls. The programme had performed poorly in urban-slum areas, as the mean number of tablets consumed in urban-slum areas was only 5.6+/-3.3, as against 6.7+/-2.6 tablets in tribal girls and 7.2+/-2.2 tablets in rural girls. Considering the biological and operational feasibility and the effectiveness of the intervention, weekly supplementation of iron to adolescent girls should be universally started to correct the iron stores of a woman before she becomes pregnant.     

Nutritional status of adolescent girls in a rural area of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal

A community based, cross-sectional study was conducted during June to December 1999 in Amdanga block of North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. Among a sample of 143 adolescent girls (10-19 years), selected through multistage sampling procedure. Data was collected by interviewing the adolescent girls and their parent, whenever necessary using pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standardized methodology as recommended by WHO and standard clinical examination procedures were followed. Standard operational definitions were used. Appropriate statistical tests like Chi-square test were applied as and when required. Overall prevalence of 'thinness' and 'stunting' were found to be 14.7% and 37.8% respectively. There was no significant association (p > 0.05) of thinness or stunting with per capita monthly family income and literacy status of parents. Common nutritional deficiency disorders were anaemia (44.8%), dental caries (25.9%), angular stomatitis (15.4%) etc.     

Host feeding patterns of malaria vectors of Orissa, India

Blood meals of 1,491 Anopheles fluviatilis sensu lato (s.l.), 1,690 An. culicifacies s.l., 719 An. annularis s.l., and 358 An. varuna sensu stricto were examined by gel diffusion method. The overall anthropophilic index (AI) was 78.9%, 1.6%, 3.2%, and 6.7% for An. fluviatilis, An. culicifacies, An. annularis, and An. varuna, respectively. Out of 4 anopheline species studied, only 0.2% of An. culicifacies blood meals contained blood from humans and cattle. Anopheles fluviatilis and An. culicifacies revealed seasonality in their anthropophilic index. An. fluviatilis showed a human forage ratio of more than 1, whereas An. culicifacies, An. annularis, and An. varuna had forage ratios of 2.6, 2.5, and 2.4, respectively, for bovine. There was a correlation between the Al of An. fluviatilis and the malaria slide positivity rate. This study suggests that the use of repellent, insecticide-treated nets will be effective for controlling biting mosquitoes inside houses in Orissa.