Nutritional Disparities among Adolescent Girls Belonging to the Tribal Localities of Gujarat

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is marked by the onset of the second growth spurt, a phase of rapid growth and development
that places high demands on nutritional intake. Poor nutritional status among adolescent girls is a major public health issue
in India, with the situation being even more critical in tribal areas. This study was conducted in the tribal region of the
western state of Gujarat, aiming to identify the factors contributing to the poor nutritional status of adolescent girls.
Methods: Simple random sampling technique was used to enroll subjects. Adolescent aged between 16-18 years (N=120)
were enrolled for the study. Anthropometric measurements (Height, Weight and Mid Upper Arm Circumference), dietary
history (24 hr recall, Minimum dietary diversity-Women) and blood haemoglobin was measured. Results: The mean
BMI-for-Age (BAZ) score was -1.09±1.07, with approximately 22 (18.3%) of the subjects being classified as thin. The
mean height for age (HAZ) score was -1.22 ± 0.85, and about 18 (15%) of the subjects were found to be stunted.
Approximately 80 (66.66%) of the subjects were moderately anaemic, 18 (15%) were mildly anaemic and 7 (5.8%) were
severely anaemic. The median nutrient intake among the adolescents was found to be significantly low compared to the
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) at (p<0.001). The Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD-W) score of the
adolescent girls was 4.25 ± 0.57. Conclusion: Nutritional status of the adolescent girls was in compromised conditions.
Some of the underlying reasons were; Preference and consumption of fat rich foods, skipping of breakfast, poor IFA and
Deworming rate and poor personal hygiene etc.