Health Status of Adolescents in Rural Area of Anand

Abstract

Aim: The study was carried out with the aim to access the health status of adolescents in a rural area of Anand. So far no studies were done over the rural areas of Anand District. Method: Cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 students of 13 – 15 years (283 males and 134 females). The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire for socio-demographic, anthropometry (Height, Weight, BMI), physical activity level. The height and weight measurements of each adolescent were collected. Subsequently, BMI was calculated [BMI = body mass (kg)/height² (m²)]. For BMI classification, cut off points recommended by the International Obesity Task Force were used, which vary according to gender and age. PAL (Physical Activity Level) was assessed by using questionnaires (Satyanarayana Method; As it is best suitable for Indian Rural Conditions). To analyze the lipid profile of each subject, the following markers were used: Total cholesterol, cholesterol fraction (High-Density Lipoprotein and Low-Density Lipoprotein) and triglycerides. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: Majority of the students belonged to middle income group, 96.16 % of students were Hindu (68.83% male, 31.17% female). The mean weight of boys aged 13 years was 38.96±10.55; 14 years 43.54±10.66 and for 15 years 42.68±10.13. Whereas 43.16±10.36, 44.69±10.52 and 45.5±9.98 for 13, 14 and 15 year girls respectively. The PAL value showed that among boys; 18.02% were sedentary, 50.18% moderately active and 31.80% vigorously active and in girls, it showed 27.00% sedentary, 51.82% moderately active and 18.98% vigorously active. Abnormal high serum cholesterol level was found in 5.27% children (1.41% each of total boys of 13, 14 and 15 years, 2.23% each of total girls of 13 and 15 years and 2.98% of 14 years). Borderline high cholesterol was observed in 20.14% adolescents (among boys: 9.18%, 7.42% and 2.82% of 13, 14 and 15 years; whereas in girls 5.22%, 7.46% and 8.95% respectively). A positive correlation was seen between total cholesterol, triglycerides and cholesterol fractions in 13 and 14-year boys (p<0.01) level. In 13 years girls and 15 years boys, there was a positive correlation between cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL (p<0.01) level. Correlation of cholesterol with triglyceride, VLDL (p<0.05) level and cholesterol with HDL, LDL (p<0.01) level in 14 years female. In 15 years girls positive correlation was found between cholesterol with HDL (p<0.05) level and cholesterol with LDL (p<0.01) level. A positive correlation was seen between BMI and triglyceride, HDL and VLDL (p<0.01) level in 13 and 14 years boys; whereas in 15 years boys p<0.05 level. No significant influence was found in girls, to the age at menarche. Conclusion: As this is directly related to cardiovascular disease; demonstrating the necessity to measure the lipid profile at an early age and healthy lifestyle measure should be encouraged.

Keywords: Adolescent, dyslipidemia, BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides, PAL.

Cite this Article

Shah Nimisha Nehal and Sharma Shazia. Health Status of Adolescents in Rural Area of Anand. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(Issue 3 Special): 91s-96s.