http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/9 Nutrition and Dietetics Thesis Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:13:50 GMT 2026-08-06T23:13:50Z http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/442 Title: ASSESSEMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS, MEALTIME BEHAVIOUR AND DIETARY INTAKE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH AUTISM IN BIRTAMODE, JHAPA Authors: Golay, Swechchha Abstract: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess nutritional status of 74 autistic children aged 2–15 years using census sampling. Data were collected with a pretested semi- structured questionnaire to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, child and maternal factors, caregiving practices, health and immunization history, mealtime behavior, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and MUAC) were taken and analyzed according to WHO growth standards to assess underweight, stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26, WHO Anthro, and WHO Anthro-Plus, Univariate logistic regression, Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and the Kruskal Wallis test were applied to examine associations between nutritional outcomes and explanatory variables. Among the study participants, the assessment of nutritional status revealed that a small proportion were affected by undernutrition, with 3.2% classified as moderately underweight and 2.7% as moderately stunted. In terms of thinness, 8.1% were moderately thin, while 5.4% were severely thin. Conversely, indicators of overnutrition were also observed, with 9.5% of participants classified as overweight and 4.05% as obese, highlighting the coexistence of both undernutrition and overnutrition within the study population. The dietary assessment of the study population revealed notable patterns in food consumption. A small proportion of participants (1.4%) reported never consuming rice, while a majority (87.8%) consumed dal on a regular basis, and half of the participants (50%) included green leafy vegetables (GLV) in their diet regularly. Analysis of nutrient intake showed that protein consumption among the children was higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), whereas calcium intake was observed to be insufficient, indicating potential imbalances in macro- and micronutrient intake. Most socio-demographic, dietary, and feeding behavior variables were not significantly associated with nutritional status (p > 0.05). The child’s age (p = 0.024) was significantly associated with underweight, indicating that younger children were more likely to be underweight. Age and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) were significantly associated with thinness and obesity, suggesting that age is an important determinant of nutritional status. Description: A dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Campus of Technology, Tribhuvan University, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/442 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/441 Title: NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTOR AMONG CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) IN BIRATNAGAR METROPOLITAN CITY Authors: Khanal, Bisheshta Abstract: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among children aged 2–13 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD) attending selected autism care centres in Biratnagar, Nepal, to assess their nutritional status and associated factors. Data were collected from 57 parents and caregivers using structured and pretested questionnaires, while anthropometric measurements were taken from 92 children. Information on socio- demographic characteristics, maternal factors, child health, feeding behaviour, and dietary intake was obtained. Feeding behaviour was assessed using the Brief Autism Mealtime Behaviour Inventory (BAMBI), and dietary intake was evaluated through a 24- hour dietary recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric indicators such as weight, height, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and body mass index (BMI) were interpreted using WHO growth standards. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 and MS Excel 2019. The findings showed that 71.74% of the children were male, indicating a higher prevalence of ASD among boys. Food selectivity was observed in 59.65% of participants, with vegetables being the most commonly rejected food group, followed by fruits, meat, dairy products, and certain food textures. Feeding difficulties were prevalent, with 54.39% experiencing moderate and 7.02% severe challenges, while 57.89% had poor appetite. Dietary assessment revealed excessive intake of energy, protein, and fat across most age groups, whereas iron intake was inadequate among younger children aged 2–6 years. These results indicate nutritional imbalance, highlighting the need for targeted nutritional counselling and behaviour-based feeding interventions. Description: A dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Campus of Technology, Tribhuvan University, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of B.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/441 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/439 Title: ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG FACTORY WORKERS AGED 19 TO 59 YEARS IN KHANAR AREA, SUNSARI Authors: Chaudhary, Simran Abstract: This community-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess the nutritional status and its associated dietary, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors among factory workers aged 19–59 years in Khanar Area, Sunsari. Anthropometric measurements, including Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio, were recorded. Dietary intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine significant associations. The mean BMI was 25.86 ± 4.71 kg/m2; WC, 86.66 ± 9.84 cm; and WHR, 0.92 ± 0.07. Based on BMI, 31.5% of participants had a normal weight, 38.0% were overweight, 22.2% obese, and 8.3% exhibited thinness. Abdominal obesity was observed in 47.2% of participants based on WC and 69.9% based on WHR, with a higher prevalence among females. The average daily intake was 2307.10 ± 434.41 kcal of energy, 383.03 ± 90.64 g of carbohydrates, 54.82 ± 12.97 g of protein, and 53.83 ± 16.16 g of fat. Micronutrient intakes were notably low, particularly for calcium (600.82 ± 237.37 mg), iron (19.80 ± 5.10 mg), thiamine (1.60 ± 0.29 mg), riboflavin (2.32 ± 0.42 mg), and niacin (14.80 ± 4.60 mg). Dietary patterns indicated frequent intake of carbohydrate-rich staples but limited consumption of fruits, animal-source foods, and nuts. Significant associations were found between BMI and WC with gender, age, marital status, education, income, calorie intake, and flesh food consumption. WHR was significantly associated with family size, working hours, alcohol use, and macronutrient intake. The findings underscore the coexistence of overnutrition and thinness alongside widespread micronutrient deficiencies, reflecting a double burden of malnutrition. Tailored nutrition interventions focusing on dietary quality, micronutrient adequacy, and lifestyle modification particularly for female workers are essential to improve nutritional health outcomes. Description: A dissertation work submitted to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Campus of Technology, Tribhuvan University, in the partial fulfillment of requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in nutrition and Dietetics Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/439 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/433 Title: ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY DIVERSITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG ADOLESCENTS OF ITAHARI SUB-METROPOLITAN CITY Authors: Prechhya, Karki Abstract: Adolescence is a critical period of growth, making nutrition a key determinant of long-term health yet they are often overlooked in nutritional research national programs. Thus, this study aims to assess dietary diversity and its association with nutritional status among adolescents in Itahari subMetropolitan City. A cross-sectional study design was administered among 205 adolescents ages 10-19 years of age, selected using a multistage random sampling technique. Data collection involved anthropometric measurements and dietary assessments through a Dietary Diversity score and 24-hour dietary recall. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, were applied to examine the association between nutritional status and selected socioeconomic as well as lifestyle variables. The study revealed a notable burden of malnutrition, with of adolescents identified as 16.1% stunted and 14.1% thin, while overweight/obesity was observed in 4.8% of participants. Dietary inadequacies were also prominent, as73.7% reported insufficient energy intake, 41.5% Inadequate protein intake, and 73.7% inadequate fat intake. A significant proportion of adolescents had inadequate dietary diversity (72.7%), only 27.3% met the requirement. Factors such as age group (p=0.036), energy adequacy(p=0.0001), protein adequacy (p=0.04), fat adequacy (p=0.014) were significantly associated with stunting. Additionally, age group (p=0.019), religion (p=0.003), nonveg (p=0.036), energy adequacy (p=0.000), protein intake (p=0.000) and fat adequacy (p=0.000) were identified as significant predictors of poor BMI-for-age outcomes. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve dietary practices and nutritional education among adolescents. Description: A dissertation submitted to the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Campus of Technology, Tribhuvan University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of B.sc Nutrition and Dietetics Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://202.45.146.37:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/433 2025-12-28T00:00:00Z