NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF ADOLESCENT STUDENTS STUDYING AT GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OF DHANKUTA MUNICIPALITY, DHANKUTA

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 school-going adolescents of government school, Dhankuta district to examine their nutrition status and dietary intake pattern. The students were selected by convenience sampling method from two government schools based on their population size. A well-prepared and tested questionnaire was used to gather details about their family background, physical activity, eating habits, and hygiene practices. Their weight and height were measured using a digital weighing scale and stadiometer. Information about their food intake was collected through a 24-hour food recall and a food frequency questionnaire. The data was analyzed using WHO AnthroPlus (version 1.0.4), SPSS (version 25), and Microsoft Excel. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to find out what factors were linked to their nutritional status. The study found that 12.8% of adolescents were shorter than normal for their age (stunted), 11.6% were thin, and 19.2% were either overweight or obese. Taking part in physical activity during school breaks also made a difference. Father education was statically associated with stunting. Similarly, birth order, number of sibling, family income, feeling about figure and school break activity statically associated with thinness and obesity.