ISSN : 0301- 1216
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med. Vol. 41 No.3 & 4, 2010
DIETARY PATTERN AND NUTRITION RELATED KNOWLEDGE OF
RURAL ADOLESCENT GIRLS
Seema Choudhary1, C.P.Mishra2 , K.P.Shukla3
ABSTRACT
Research Question: To find out dietary pattern and nutrition related knowledge of adolescent girls in rural area.
Objectives: (a) To estimate nutrient intake of adolescent girls; (b) To find out dietary habits and practices of study
subjects; (c) To asses nutrition related knowledge of adolescent girls. Study Design: Community based crosssectional study. Setting: Chiraigaon Community Development Block of Varanasi district. Participants: Two hundred
and seventy adolescent girls between 10-19 years of age. Materials and Methods: The primary tools in this study
were predesigned and pretested interview schedule for recording of individual information. Dietary intake was
assessed by 24 hours recall oral questionnaire method. Dietary practices and nutrition related knowledge of
adolescent girls were elicited by interview technique using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Statistical
Analysis: Proportions, Mean
SD, ANOVA and „t‟ test. Results and conclusions: More than two third subjects had
inadequate intake of calorie, protein and fat. High level of vitamin A deficiency prevailed in majority (>90%) of
subjects. Average intakes of macro and micronutrients (except vitamin A) were >70% of the RDA. Average intakes
of both macro and micronutrient (except vitamin A) were least in 10-12 years age group. Access of nutrition related
knowledge was poor for adolescent girls. Their nutrition related knowledge was not up to the mark and majority of
them were not aware about their nutritional needs. Ignorance about micronutrients and protective foods prevailed in
adolescent girls
Key words: Dietary Pattern, Dietary Intake, Dietary Practice, Nutrition Related Knowledge, Adolescent Girls.
INTRODUCTION
The growth and prosperity of a nation depend heavily on the nutritional status and development of adolescent girls as
they not only constitute one tenth of its population but also influence the growth of the remaining population. The nutritional
status and development of adolescent girls are integrately related to their nutritional requirements, dietary intake, dietary
practices, cultural traditions and meal patterns. Diets of Indian adolescent girls especially in rural areas are inadequate both in
terms of quality and quantity. They mainly consume cereal based food but grossly deficient in legumes, animal foods and
1
green leafy vegetables . In poor communities adolescent girls are often last to be given food even when pregnancy further
increases their nutritional needs. In addition, while staple food items (i.e. rice, pulse, bread, etc.) are distributed fairly equally,
side dishes usually containing a higher proportion of micronutrients (i.e. vegetables, meat, yogurt, ghee, etc.) are often
preferentially allocated to valued household members, including adult males and small children.
__________________________
1. Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine,, Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Agroha (HISAR), Haryana125 047.
2. Associate Professor, 3. Ex. Professor Department of Community Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi.
Indexed in : Index Medicus (IMSEAR), INSDOC, NCI Current Content, Database of Alcohol & Drug Abuse, National Database in TB &
Allied Diseases, IndMED, Entered in WHO CD ROM for South East Asia.
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
Factors that tend to reduce macro and micro nutrient intake of adolescent girls may be unequal intra-familial
distribution of food, adverse and harmful dietary practices including dieting, specific food taboos and dietary restrictions during
menstruation, pregnancy and lactation. In general adolescent girls are the worst sufferers of the ravages of various forms of
malnutrition (viz. protein energy malnutrition, iron, iodine, calcium, vitamin A and other specific nutrient deficiencies) because
of their increased nutritional needs but decreased intake. At the same time low literacy level, lack of nutrition related
knowledge and lack of awareness about their nutritional requirements further aggravate this dismal situation.
These informations are prerequisite for designing and implementing effective nutritional interventions including
nutrition education programme for adolescent girls. In fact scope of programme for improvement of knowledge and skills of
adolescent girls in health, nutrition and uplifting self confidence and self image is tremendous and its benefits not only remain
confined to adolescent period but extend to entire reproductive span.
2
However some studies represent that dietary deficiency are alarming among rural adolescent girls but unfortunately
precise estimates of their dietary intake, dietary practices as well as nutrition related knowledge have been the least explored
area. The present study is an attempt towards this direction. The specific objectives of the study were (a) to estimate nutrient
intake of adolescent girls; (b) to find out dietary habits and practices of study subjects; (c) to asses nutrition related knowledge
of adolescent girls.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The approach adopted for this community based study was cross sectional one. Sample size estimation was based
on the extent of under nutrition in adolescent girls. As per literature search and a pilot study conducted in Chiraigaon block,
prevalence of malnutrition in rural adolescent girls ranged from 50-72% and thus taking a middle course a prevalence rate of
60% was assumed. By taking this prevalence and permissible level of error as 10%, sample size was computed as 267. In all,
270 adolescents were enrolled for the study.
Following steps were involved in selection of study subjects: [a] One Community Development Block (i.e. Chiraigaon)
was selected from eight CD Block of the Varanasi District by simple random sampling; [b] Villages of Chiraigaon were stratified
into 3 strata according to distance (Viz < 7 Km, 7-14 Km and > 14 Km) from Block headquarter and from each stratum one
village was selected by simple random sampling;[c] In the selected villages, total enumeration of adolescent girls was done.
This was served as the sampling frame. The required study subjects were selected adopting probability proportion to size
(PPS) sampling technique.
The primary tools in this study were pre-designed and pre-tested interview schedule for recording of individual
information. Dietary intake in terms of calorie, protein, fat, vitamin A, iron and calcium were assessed by 24 hours recall oral
questionnaire method using standardized utensils. Dilution factor of liquid food items was also noted. Diet survey was not
conducted on day after any festival or any other special occasion. Dietary practices and nutrition related knowledge of
adolescent girls were elicited by interview technique using pre-designed and pre-tested proforma. Intakes in terms of energy,
3
protein, fat, vitamin A, iron and calcium were computed as per Nutritive Value of Indian Foods and “Nutritive Value of
Common Indian Food Calculations”4. The averages were compared with corresponding RDAs recommended by ICMR5.
Statistical analysis incorporated in this study included Proportions, Mean
SD, ANOVA and „t‟ test . The „t‟ test has
been applied between mean intake and RDA for each age group.
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 41 No.3 & 4
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July –December, 2010
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
RESULTS
Majority of (70.37%) study subjects had calorie consumption
80% of RDA; one fourth (24.81%) consumed
RDA. In 19.63% adolescent girls calorie consumption was > 100% of RDA. Subjects with protein intake
60.1 to
60% of
60% and between >
90% of RDA were 67 (24.81%) and 117 (43.33%), respectively; corresponding value for > 100% intake was 58
(21.48%). Fat intake of 49.26%, 66.30% and 25.19% study subjects was
adolescent girls Iron intake was
with calcium intake
60%,
80% and > 100% of the RDA. In 64.18%
80% of RDA. Study subjects with Iron intake > 100% of RDA were 20.37%.Adolescent girls
50%, 50.1 to 80% and > 100% of RDA were 55.92%, 14.18% and 24.07%, respectively. Majority
(91.48%) of study subjects had vitamin A intake
50%, subjects with intake
80% of RDA were 5.93% (Table 1).
Table- 1: Nutrient intake of study subjects as percentage of recommended dietary allowances (n=270)
Percentage
intake of
RDA
Calorie
Protein
Fat
Calcium
Iron
Vitamin A
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
50
35
12.96
35
12.96
98
36.29
151
55.92
74
27.40
247
91.48
50.1-60
32
11.85
32
11.85
35
12.96
14
5.19
35
12.96
0
0.00
60.1-70
38
14.08
43
15.93
25
9.26
13
4.81
48
17.78
5
1.85
70.1-80
49
18.15
38
14.08
21
7.79
13
4.82
18
6.67
2
0.74
80.1-90
36
13.33
36
13.33
9
3.33
9
3.33
23
8.52
4
1.48
90.1-100
27
10.00
28
10.37
14
5.19
5
1.85
17
6.30
1
0.37
> 100
53
19.63
58
21.48
68
25.18
65
24.08
55
20.37
11
4.08
Average calorie intake per day (1609.42
528.87 Kcal) of adolescent girls was 78.98% of the estimated RDA;
corresponding values for protein and fat intake were 80.16% and 77.26%, respectively. Average calcium consumption was
407.18
402.52 mg/day; this was 71.54% of the RDA. Mean iron and vitamin A intake were 86.66% and 17.93 % of RDA,
respectively (Table 2).
Table- 2: Average nutrient intake of study subjects (n=270)
Nutrient
Nutrient intake
Mean SD
Estimated mean RDA
% of RDA
Calorie (Kcal/day)
1609
528.87
2037.59
78.98
Protein (gram/day)
50.13
19.10
62.49
80.16
Fat (gram/day)
16.99
11.63
22.00
77.26
407.18
402.52
574.44
71.54
22.58
21.25
26.29
86.66
430.46
694.98
2400.00
17.93
Calcium (mg/day)
Iron (mg/day)
Vitamin A ( g/day)
Average daily calcium and protein intake of study subjects in age groups 10-12, 13-15 and 16-19 years were
significantly (p<0.01) less than estimated RDA. Difference between mean fat intake of study subjects and RDA of fat for the
age group 16-19 years was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Mean daily calorie intake was maximum (1687.22
Kcal/d) in the age group 16-19 years fallowed by 13-15 years (1662.13
495.25
583.37 Kcal/d). These values were significantly
(p < 0.05) more than the calorie intake in the age group 10-12 years (1427.02
399.32 Kcal/d). There existed no significant
difference (p>0.05) in the mean daily protein consumption of study subjects between the age groups 10-12 years and 13-15
years as well as between 13-15 years and 16-19 years age group; compared to these groups this was significantly
(p < 0.01)less in the age group 10-12 yrs. In comparison to age group 10 –12 years mean fat intake was significantly
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 41 No.3 & 4
209
July –December, 2010
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
(p < 0.05) more in age groups 13 – 15 ( 17.75 + 11.44 gm/d) and 16 – 19 years ( 19.10 + 14.42 gm/d); between later two
groups intake was statistically not significant (p > 0.05) (Table 3).
Table-3: Age wise macronutrient intake of adolescent girls (n=270)
S.N
Age
(Years)
Intake
N
(Mean
SD)
ANOVA
P
Estimated
t
P
Calorie (Kcal/day)
F = 5.645
0.004*
MD1-2=-235.11
0.003*
583.37
MD2-3= - 25.09
495.25
1
10-12
68
1427.02
399.32
2
13-15
132
1662.13
3
16-19
70
1687.22
1991.98 47.79
- 11.67
< 0.001*
0.744
2055.79
13.58
- 7.75
< 0.001*
MD3-1= 260.19
0.004*
2064.98
4.50
- 6.35
< 0.001*
F = 7.448
0.001
RDA
MD1-2=-7.28
0.009
57
- 8.24
< 0.001*
Protein (gm/day)
1
10-12
68
43.42
13.59
2
13-15
132
50.70
19.44
MD2-3 = - 4.89
0.078
65
- 8.44
< 0.001*
3
16-19
70
55.59
21.24
MD3-1= 12.17
<0.001*
63
- 2.92
< 0.005*
F = 4.830
0.009*
MD1-2=-4.36
0.011*
22
- 9.62
< 0.001*
Fat (gm/day)
1
10-12
68
13.38
7.39
2
13-15
132
17.75
11.44
MD2-3 = - 1.35
0.427
22
- 4.27
< 0.001*
3
16-19
70
19.10
14.42
MD3-1= 5.71
0.004*
22
- 1.68
0.097
Note: MD = Mean difference between two groups. „t‟ test has been applied between mean intake and RDA for eac h age group.
Mean calcium intake was significantly (p < 0.001) less than the RDA values in the age groups 10-12 years and 13-15
years; this pattern was not observed for 16-19 years. Reverse trend was observed for iron intake. (Table 4).
Table- 4: Age wise micronutrient intake of adolescent girls (n=270)
Sl.
No.
Age
(Years)
N
Intake
(Mean SD)
ANOVA
P
RDA
t
P
Calcium (mg/day)
F = 5.501
0.005*
MD1-2=-190.92
0.001*
479.12
MD2-3 = 23.50
342.85
1
10-12
68
270.44
234.27
2
13-15
132
461.36
3
16-19
70
437.86
600
- 11.60
< 0.001*
0.688
600
- 3.33
< 0.001*
MD3-1= 167.42
0.014*
500
- 1.52
< 0.134
F = 2.286
0.104
19
MD1-2=-6.36
0.045*
- 0.52
0.605
Iron (mg/day)
1
10-12
68
17.84
18.43
2
13-15
132
24.20
22.70
MD2-3 = 0.051
0.987
28
- 1.93
0.056
3
16-19
70
24.15
20.58
MD3-1= 6.31
0.081
30
- 2.38
0.020*
F = 3.914
0.021*
MD1-2=280.53
0.007*
2400
- 13.57
< 0.001*
Vitamin A ( g /day)
1
10-12
68
630.41
1075.46
2
13-15
132
349.88
438.67
MD2-3= - 38.32
0.707
2400
- 53.70
< 0.001*
3
16-19
70
388.20
583.92
MD3-1=-242.21
0.040*
2400
- 28.83
< 0.001*
Note:MD = Mean difference between two groups ; „t‟ test has been applied between mean intake and RDA for each age group .
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 41 No.3 & 4
210
July –December, 2010
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
Average vitamin A intake in 10-12 years, 13-15 yrs and 16-19 years was 630.41 1075.46 g/d, 349.88
and 388.20
583.32 g/d, respectively These values were significantly (p < 0.001) less than the RDA.
Table- 5: Dietary habits of adolescent girls (n=270)
Difference between mean calcium intake in the age group 13-15
years (461.36
479.12 g/d), and 16-19 years (437.86
342.85
Particulars
g/d) was statistically not significant (p>0.05); intake in above
Vegetarian
Non-Vegetarian
Eggetarian
Occasionally Non-vegetarian
intake in the age group 10-12 years (270.44 234.27 g/d).
Average daily iron intake in 10-12 years (17.84+18.43 mg/d)
significantly (p<0.05) less than the intake in 13-15 yrs
(24.20
No.
%
78
113
40
39
28.89
41.85
14.81
14.45
23
99
85
4
47
11
1
8.52
36.66
34.48
1.48
17.41
4.08
0.37
136
134
50.37
49.63
Nature of diet
groups was significantly (p<0.05) more than the average calcium
was
438.67 g/d
Frequency of meals
22.70 mg/d). Vitamin A consumption in the age group
According to dietary nature of the adolescent girls
Twice a day
Thrice a day
2-3 times a day
Four times a day
3-4 times a day
3 times + Dana/day
4-5 times a day
28.89%, 41.85% and 14.80% subjects were vegetarian, non-
Timing of meals
vegetarian and eggetarian, respectively. Frequency of meals 2-3
Fixed
Irregular
10-12 yrs was significantly (p<0.05) more than the corresponding value in the age groups 14-15 yrs and 16-19 yrs. In the
later two groups mean vitamin A intake was statistically not
significant (p > 0.05) (Table 4).
times / day and 3-4 times / day was practiced by 207 (76.67%)
and 62 (22.96%) subjects, respectively. Half (50.37%) of the
Note: Dana included roasted cereals, whole Bengal Gram
and Peas.
adolescent girls had fixed time for their meals (Table 5).
Table- 6: Consumption pattern of common food items by adolescent girls
Food
Items
Daily
3-4 days/
week
Once or
twice/week
Once or
twice/month
Occasionally
/ Seasonally
Never
Total
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
No.
%
Chapati
250
92.59
12
4.45
8
2.96
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
270
100
Rice
245
90.74
19
7.04
6
2.22
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
270
100
Dal
35
12.97
169
62.59
57
21.11
8
2.96
1
0.37
0
0.0
270
100
Milk
62
22.96
9
3.33
42
15.55
24
8.89
94
34.82
39
14.45
270
100
Green veg.
0
0.00
44
16.29
187
69.26
24
8.89
15
5.56
0
0.0
270
100
257
95.19
9
3.33
4
1.48
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
270
100
Root veg.
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
0.74
267
98.89
1
0.37
270
100
Sharbat
0
0.0
0
0.0
7
2.60
3
1.11
250
92.59
10
3.70
270
100
Fruits
0
0.0
0
0.0
20
7.41
11
4.07
238
88.15
1
0.37
270
100
Roasted
cereals &
grams
11
4.07
28
10.37
150
55.55
42
15.57
36
13.33
3
1.11
270
100
Tea
97
35.93
5
1.85
23
8.52
3
1.11
76
28.15
66
24.44
270
100
Pickles
15
5.56
1
0.37
34
12.59
13
4.82
199
73.70
8
2.96
270
100
Salad
0
0.0
8
2.96
37
13.71
9
3.33
199
73.70
17
6.30
270
100
Tuber
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 41 No.3 & 4
211
July –December, 2010
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
Chapati rice and tubers were consumed by more than
Table- 7: Common food related practices of study
subjects (n=270)
90% adolescent girls daily. Consumption of green vegetables
once or twice per week was to the extent of 69.26%. Root
Particulars
vegetables, fruits and Sharbat were consumed maximally either
Type of salt consumed
occasionally or showed seasonal pattern. Daily tea drinking was
Refined iodised
Crystal
Mixed pattern
done by
35.93%
study
subjects.
Pickle was
consumed
occasionally by 73.70% of adolescent girls. Roasted cereals and
grams were taken once or twice weekly by 55.55%study subjects;
corresponding value for those consumed once or twice / month
was 15.57% (Table 6).
Refined iodized and crystal salt were used by 14.81%
Mustard
Mustard + Deshi ghee
Mustard + Refined
consumption was universal by adolescent girls, besides this
Washing habit of rice
refined oil and pure ghee was used by 0.74 % and 1.11% of
Not washed
Once washed
Twice washed
Thrice washed
and rice were not washed before cooking; discarding of water
used for washing was universal. Green vegetables were washed
before and after cutting in the family of 26.67% and 56.67% study
subjects,
respectively;
16.67%
practiced
mixed
pattern.
Approximately two third of adolescent girls avoided no food item.
Pulses, vegetables and milk and milk products were avoided by
4.07%, 13.70% & 7.41% study subjects, respectively (Table 7).
Nutrition related knowledge was imparted in the school
to 53.70% adolescent girls. As much as 48.28% subjects did not
remember the content of knowledge imparted in the school;
according to 35.17% and 15.17% subjects, they were informed
about fruits and vegetables and pulses, respectively. Two third of
girls were of the opinion that food intake during adolescent age
should be less than adult. According to 22.59% and 7.41%
subjects fruits and vegetables and milk and milk products were
special nutrients required during adolescent. According to
30.37%, 17.04% and 2.22% subjects only deficiencies of vitamin
A, iodine and iron may cause night blindness, goitre and anaemia,
40
228
2
14.81
84.44
0.74
265
3
2
98.15
1.11
0.74
223
47
82.59
17.41
10
13
202
45
3.70
4.82
74.81
16.67
163
48
51
8
60.37
17.78
18.89
2.96
72
153
45
26.67
56.67
16.66
186
11
2
37
20
14
7
68.89
4.07
0.74
13.70
7.41
5.18
2.59
Type of flour used
Without choker
With choker
flour without choker. In case of 60.37% and 3.7 subjects pulses
%
Type of oil used
and 84.44% of study subjects, respectively. Mustard oil
adolescent girls, respectively. Majority (82.59%) of subjects used
No.
Washing habit of dal
Not washed
Once washed
Twice washed
Thrice washed
Washing habit
vegetables
of
Before cutting
After cutting
Mixed pattern
green
Food items avoided
None
Pulses
Rice and Chapati
Vegetables
Milk and milk products
Non-vegetarian
Miscellaneous
Note: Water used for washing dal and rice was discarded
by all subjects Multiple responses were noted for food items
avoided
Miscellaneous for food items avoided includes
pickles, sharbat, tea and spicy foods .
respectively (Table 8).
Indian J. Prev. Soc. Med Vol. 41 No.3 & 4
212
July –December, 2010
Seema Choudhary et al
Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
DISCUSSION
Table- 8: Nutrition related knowledge of adolescent girls
Parameters
1. Dilatory intake : Diet survey has its own importance
because food gap is the principal contributor to undernutrition in India. When intakes of macro (calorie, protein
and fat) and micro (calcium, iron, and vitamin A)
nutrients
were assessed by 24 hours recall method,
deficiencies of all nutrients in adolescent girls were
observed (Table 1). However, deficiency of vitamin A
has been alarming; majority (91.48%) of subjects had
vitamin A intake
50% of RDA. Average intake of all
nutrients except vitamin A was >70% of estimated RDA
(Table 2). Dietary deficiencies in adolescent girls have
been observed by several workers
6,7,8
these
6,7,8
. In comparison to
studies deficiency of vitamin A has been
9
glaring in the study area. A study in BNF has also
reported lower intakes of vitamins. Another study
10
also
reported lower intake of energy and blood forming
micronutrient in rural adolescent girls. Iron deficiency
has been found in majority of girls (Table 1). In fact iron
deficiency in adolescent girls is common finding in both
developed11 and developing countries
Contrary to the findings of energy inadequacy in the
present study, some studies
12,13
reported adequate
energy intake in adolescent girls. In contrast to the
finding of other researchers
12,14
of excess lipid intake in
adolescent girls, in this study only in 25% girls fat intake
was more than 100% of RDA. Except for the age group
16-19 years mean fat intake had been significantly less
than the RDA. However, average daily calorie and
protein intake in all age groups were significantly less
than the estimated RDA (Table 3).
No.
%
Nutrition related information in school (n=270)
Yes
No
Not applicable
145
98
27
53.70
36.30
10.00
Nutrition related knowledge imparted in the school (n=155)
Cereals, Grains and Products
Pulses and legumes
Milk and Meat Products
Fruits and vegetables
Did not remember.
04
22
08
51
70
2.76
15.17
5.52
35.17
48.28
180
18
59
13
66.67
6.67
21.85
4.81
Food intake during adolescent age (n=270)
Less than adult
Same as adult
More than adult
Not aware
Special nutrient required during adolescent (293)
Cereals, grains and products
Pulses and legumes
Milk and meat products
Fruits and vegetables
Fats and sugars
Not aware
00
13
20
61
03
196
0.00
4.81
7.41
22.59
1.11
72.59
6
264
2.22
97.78
82
188
30.37
69.63
Adverse effect of iron deficiency (n=270)
Causes anaemia
Not aware
Adverse effect of iodine deficiency (n=270)
Causes goitre
Not aware
Adverse effect of vitamin A deficiency (n=270)
Causes night blindness
Not aware
46
224
17.04
82.96
Note: Multiple responses were noted for nutrition related
knowledge imparted in the school and opinion about food
intake during adolescent
Mean intake of micronutrients increased with increase in age (Table 4). Calcium and iron inadequacy were
pronounced in 10-15 years and 16-19 years, respectively, where as vitamin A deficiency was significantly more in all age
groups with respect to RDA. Vitamin A consumption in the age group 10-12 years was significantly (p<0.05) more than the
corresponding value in the age groups 13-15 years and 16-19 years. In the later two groups mean vitamin A intake was
statistically not (p> 0.05) significant (Table 4).
Above figures represent that dietary deficiencies are alarming in the study area. Thus there is a need and scope for
nutrition education programme for adolescent girls to enhance their dietary intake in terms of calorie and protein as well as
iron, calcium and vitamin A. Benefits of linkage of adolescent girls with ICDS are obvious. Micronutrient deficiency in terms of
iron and vitamin A are so glaring that urgent interventions are required for these nutrients.
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Dietary pattern and nutrition related to knowledge of rural adolescent girl
2. Dietary practices: Dietary habits of an individual has considerable influence on dietary intake in terms of quality and
quantity. As much as 41.85% subjects were non-vegetarian, on the criteria of consumption of non-vegetarian foods at least
once in fortnight. Three out of four girls had frequency of meals as 2 to 3 times/day (Table 5). Daily consumption of body
building (viz. pulses and milk) and protective (viz. fruits, green vegetables and other vegetables) foods by an adolescent was
practically non-existent in the study area .In fact pulses, vegetables and milk products were avoided by 4.07%, 13.70% and
7.41% study subjects, respectively (Table 6). Rejection of chocker has been predominant in the study area and only in the
families of 2.67% subjects vegetables were washed before cutting. Refined iodized salt was consumed by less than one fifth of
the study subjects (Table 7).
Thus the dietary practices of adolescent girls have far form being satisfactory. A number of studies 15,16,17 conducted
in varying settings have also reported that prevailing dietary practices of adolescent girls have not been up to the mark. Such
practices may be due to differences in the food allocation at family level and because of individuals likings and dislikes.
3. Nutrition related knowledge:
Nutrition related knowledge of adolescent girls was not satisfactory in the study area.
Majority of them were not aware about the harmful effect of micronutrients deficiency and whatever nutrition knowledge
imparted in the school had been too superficial to make any tangible effect on their nutritional status. Majority of the subjects
were not aware about their nutritional requirements (Table 8). In the light of these finding there is need and scope for
designing and implementing adolescent nutrition education programme and evaluating the same adopting operation research
model.
CONCLUSION
More than two third subjects had inadequate intake of calorie, protein and fat. High level of vitamin A deficiency
prevailed in majority (>90%) of subjects. Average intakes of macro and micronutrients (except vitamin A) were >70% of the
RDA. Average intakes of both macro and micronutrient (except vitamin A) were least in 10-12 years age group.
Access of nutrition related knowledge was poor for adolescent girls. Their nutrition related knowledge was not up to
the mark and majority of them were not aware about their nutritional needs. Ignorance about micronutrients and protective
foods prevailed in adolescent girls
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