Stunting and BMI in Rural Adolescents from Three Day- Schools in Nashik District of Maharashtra (India): A Descriptive Cross-Sectional study

Abstract

Background: India has high stunting levels in 0-5 age group and the loss can not be compensated in the adolescent period also. WHO and IAP parameters differ somewhat in defining childhood stunting. Objectives: This study aims to estimate stunting levels in rural school-going adolescents. The descriptive cross-sectional study in 2016 involved 261 students from 8^th and 9^th class with age of 13 to 14 completed years from three rural schools in Nashik district (m 128, f 133). The heights and weights were taken using standard procedures with a stadiometer and a bathroom digital scale. WHO and IAP growth charts were used to estimate and compare stunting and BMI values of the study population Results: 31.51% adolescents were stunted by WHO standards (<-2SD), while 15.71% adolescents were found below 3^rd percentile of IAP charts. The mean heights and sd in cms of students were as follows: 8^th Class Girls, 146.05 (5.99), Boys148.15 (7.81) and 9^th class, Girls 150.15 (5.48) Boys 153.73 (8.83). mean BMI values were also below 25^th percentile of IAP charts and around 15^th percentile of WHO height charts. Conclusion: The study population showed a high level of stunting at 31% and 15% by WHO and IAP standards and concurred with similar studies from the state. Multi-pronged actions are required to mitigate rural adolescent undernutrition in the form of stunting and low BMI.