Assessment of Physical Growth and Nutrition  in Indian School-age Children at An Outpatient  Department in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh

Sachin Kumar; SR Cynthia

Sachin Kumar MD Paediatrics, Paediatric Department, Bishop Conrad Memorial Hospital, Khairabad, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
SR Cynthia MD Paediatrics, Paediatric Department, Bishop Conrad Memorial Hospital, Khairabad, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Keywords: Physical Growth, Nutrition, School-age Children

Abstract

Introduction: High adolescent self-esteem protects them against high-risk behaviour and physical and mental problems. The present cross-sectional study aimed to understand the self-esteem of school-going children in Mumbai and its association with selected demographic variables and BMI.

Method: The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and a demographic questionnaire were administered to 334 children (214 boys and 120 girls), between the ages of 10 and 15 years studying in an English-medium co-ed school in Mumbai. The sample was divided into two groups based on their age: Group 1: 10- to 12- year-olds (n = 188) and Group 2: 13- to 15-year-olds (n = 146). Parental permissions and written assent of the children who participated were taken. The data were analysed using SPSS 17.

Results: During the course of the study, a total of 1399 children (906 male and 493 female) were enrolled. The mean age of the children was 8.6 ± 2.0 years. The mean weight was 25.8 ± 8.7 kg, mean height was 126.6 ± 14.3 cm, and BMI was 15.7 ± 2.8 kg/m2. Their mean ± SD scores of the weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age were -0.47 ± 1.16, -0.52 ± 1.42, and -0.24 ± 1.15, respectively. Most (83.7%) of the children had normal nutritional status. Wasting (4.7%), stunting (11.2%), underweight (5.7%), overweight (9.2%), and obesity (2.4%) were noted.

Conclusion: Most of the children have normal physical growth and nutrition. Both undernutrition and overnutrition were found in the remaining children.

How to cite this article:
Kumar S, Cynthia SR. Assessment of Physical Growth and Nutrition in Indian School-age Children at An Outpatient Department in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. Ind J Youth Adol Health. 2023;10(2):8-13.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2349.2880.202306

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