A Cross-sectional Study on the Prevalence of Thinness based on the Body Mass Index among the children in VI to VIII Stds in a Government school in Minjur, Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu 2011.

Abstract

Abstract : Background Adolescence after the infancy is the
second critical period of rapid growth and development.
Adequate nutrition during this period is of utmost importance
for optimal health. Under-nutrition during the early
adolescence is of utmost important public health problem in
developing countries. Early detection and intervention of
under-nutrition in this period is very important measure to
prevent adverse health problems. This study is designed to
assess the prevalence of under-nutrition (Thinness) among
the early adolescence in rural setup in Tamil Nadu. Objective
To assess the prevalence of thinness based on Body Mass
Index among the students in VI to VIII standards in a
Government school in rural area of Tamil Nadu. Materials and
Methods A Cross-sectional study was done among the early
adolescent school children both boys and girls aged 11 to 13
years studying in VI VIII stds. in Government school in Minjur
in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu during September 2011.
Anthropometric measurements like Height and weight were
recorded. Thinness was defined as BMI 5th percentile for age
sex - CDC 2000, WHO classification of severity and data was
analyzed. Results The prevalence of thinness was higher
among the girls (63) than boys which was 52.5. Severe
thinness was prevalent higher in girls (48) than boys (14.5)
statistically significant. Conclusions Under-nutrition among
the early adolescents is an important public health problem
which needs special focus on health education, nutritional
and community programs to alleviate this problem and to
attain a future productive life.