A study of nutritional status and high risk behavior of adolescents in Ahmedabad: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Adolescence is a distinct age group (10-19 yrs) with complex needs because of physical and psychological development during puberty. Aim: To evaluate adolescents’ nutritional status and high risk behavior. Settings and design: A Cross Sectional study was conducted in West Zone of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Gujarat. Methods & Material: 401 students (10-19years) from 10 schools and colleges surveyed using pretested questionnaire about nutritional status and high risk behavior. To analyze nutritional status height, weight and BMI were taken and analyzed using WHO growth standards 2007. Statistical analysis: Qualitative data analysis done using Epi Info and WHO Anthro Plus softwares. Results: 47.4% (95% CI= 30.7% - 64.6%) were stunted and 19.5% (95%CI=12.6% - 28.7%) were overweight according to WHO growth standards 2007. Awareness about HIV/AIDS was 93.27% and main media of awareness was television(55.35%). 13.22% were sexually active and 35.85% used condoms during last sexual act. 22.56% have habit of masturbation. 25.19% students believe masturbation is bad habit. Only boys (15.9%) had addiction and common was tobacco chewing (61.29%). No one was Intravenous Drug User. Mean age for menarche was 12.84 yrs. From them 60.93% have problems during menstruation. Most common problem was dysmenorrhea (58.7%). For discussing sexual health problems, 74.64% students prefer with friends. Conclusions: Adolescents have many health problems that need to be taken care of by effective interventions. Key message: Nationwide adolescent health data is inadequate. Focus must be given on analyzing adolescent health issues and to solve them.