Nutritional status of school going adolescents in a rural block of Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Background: Poor nutritional status during adolescence is an important determinant of health outcome. The adolescents have different needs and have diverse problems. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status and find out the morbidity pattern of the school going adolescents. Methods: A cross - sectional study was conducted among school going adolescents, 11 - 19 years studying in various schools of Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district in 2007. A two stage sampling design was used to draw representative sample. Participants were clinically examined, anthropometric measurements were made and pre-tested questionnaire was dispensed. BMI - for - age and height - for - age were considered as the indicators. Results: The study population comprise of 420 participants (39% girls). 40% of the adolescents were under nourished. Severe malnutrition was found in 27% of male and 29% of female population. 44% of the study participants were stunted and 14% were severely stunted. Pallor was present in 40% participants. One fourth of the adolescents complained of psychological problems. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to intensify efforts to improve the nutritional profile of children to optimize human resource development.