Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Abstract

Impact Assessment of Nutrition Education Programme on Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls

Vishakha Sharma and Vishakha Singh

The present study was conducted with the objective to assess impact of Nutrition Education Programme (NEP) on nutritional status of adolescent girls. Fifty girls enrolled in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhayalaya were selected. Study was conducted in Mangrop village of Suwana block of Bhilwara district. Different aspects of nutrition were selected i.e., food, food groups, functions of food, nutritional deficiency disorders. Food intake was calculated using 24 h recall method. Anthropometric measurements viz. height and weight were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was also calculated of each girl. Thinness has been assessed using the indicator BMI-for-age. Result of the study related to anthropometric measurement revealed that maximum percentage of subjects belonged to underweight, followed by ideal BMI. According to the z-score moderate malnutrition was found in 30% respondents at base line and after NEP it was found in 28% of respondent. At base line 68% of the respondents were lying in normal category, after NEP this percent was increased up to 72%. Food intake data showed that the mean nutrient intake of all the nutrients except calcium were lower than the recommended dietary allowances. Their diet was found grossly inadequate at base line in cereals, pulses, milk and milk products, green leafy vegetables, fruits, other vegetables and fats and oils, whereas adequacy for sugar was found more than Recommended Dietary Intake. The results of the study thus conclude that NEP made a significant impact in nutritional status of adolescent girls.