Author(s): Dr. Zanvar Varsha and Bhoyar Archana

Abstract:
Present study is undertaken to assess health status of selected 16-18 years adolescent girls residing in Parbhani district, Maharashtra. Total 600 adolescent girls were selected from Parbhani district of Maharashtra state. Health status of selected adolescent girls was assessed by using anthropometric measurements viz. measurements of height (cm), weight (kg), mid- upper arm circumference (cm), waist- hip ratio and recorded measurements were compared with NCHS (1977) reference values. Health status was measured by assessing Body mass index. Food intake was assessed by using 24 hours recall method for three consecutive days. Quantity of food stuff consumed by each subject was calculated by weightment method. By using food composition table of ICMR nutrient intake was calculated. Further food intake was compared with balanced diet and nutrient intake was compared with the (RDA) recommended dietary allowances for calculating the percent adequacy. The finding of study revealed that as per age and income statistically non- significant difference was noted for all anthropometric measurements among different income group except hip: waist ratio of 16 years girls and waist circumference among 17 and 18 years girls. Whereas 61.32 percent and 60.13 percent girls of 16 years and 17 years were found to be normal whereas 18 years of girls were either mild, moderate degree of under nutrition and over nutrition. Negligible difference was noted among all age group for intake of pulses, green leafy vegetable, condiments and spices, nuts and oilseeds, fats and oils, sugar & jaggery. Further it was also reported that except for intake of fats and oils remaining foods were below than Recommended Dietary Allowances. Further the percent adequacy of cereal, pulses, sugar and jaggery found to be maximum followed by fats and oil seeds. While incase of nutrient intake it was observed that except fat and vitamin C remaining nutrient was below than Recommended Dietary Allowances. Whereas 100 percent nutrient adequacy noted for fat, folic acid vitamin c respectively.