Evaluation of nutritional deficits among adolescents in Tando Muhammad Khan district via anthropometric measures

Abstract

Background: Researchers have long struggled to devise adequate measures that can be used to assess nutritional status. Apart from the ongoing debate, the most recommended indicator for identification of nutritional imbalances is anthropometry. The aim of the study was to assess the association of anthropometric measures with nutritional status among the children. Methodology: This cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from February to September 2018 upon the children from grade 5-8. A total of 264 children were selected via non-probability; consecutive sampling technique from a welfare school of Tando Muhammad Khan District. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire inquiring the nutritional status and anthropometric measurements in addition to the demographic details. Informed consent was obtained from the guardians/parents of the respondents. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and Microsoft (MS) Excel 2013. Results: According to the results, 158 out of 264 subjects were males with the mean caloric intake of 1560±1120 calories while 106 females with a mean caloric intake of 1410±1340 calories. Furthermore, a greater number of females were observed having nutritional deficiencies. The anthropometric indices were found associated with nutritional status i.e. among the deficient group, children with deranged BMI, mid-arm, waist, hip and mid-thigh circumference were common. Conclusion: It is apparent through the study results that the association of anthropometric measures and nutritional status is well established and it proves to be a remarkable indicator of nutritional status.