Nutritional Evaluation of Adolescent Middle School Girls in Shahroud

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the most critical periods in human growth during which nutrition plays an effective role. The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional status of adolescent middle school girls in Shahroud. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 418 middle school girls were selected via a two stage cluster sampling method in 2009. The data were collected through interview and measurement of anthropometric values (BMI). Data collection instruments included a demographic data questionnaire, interview, and 24 hour recall and food frequency. Anthropometric values (BMI) were computed and compared with CDC2000 standards. Results: Comparison of BMI with standard values showed that 12.9%, 12.7% and 1.7% of participants were under and overweight and obese respectively. Moreover, it disclosed that BMI had a significant relationship with family size. The results also showed that 35.4% of participants consumed milk 2-3 times a week and 71.8% of them had between-meals- snack at school and almost half of the students (56.8%) had breakfast. Calcium intake was notably less than standard values. Conclusion: The results showed that there was malnutrition among the participants, so surveillance and providing nutritional services for the members of this age group proved to be necessary.