A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS IN URBAN AND RURAL FIELD PRACTICE AREAS OF SOUTH INDIA.

Abstract

 Introduction: Adolescence is a critical time in a person’s growth and development. Unmet nutritional needs can lead to stunted growth, delayed development, anaemia, and poor mental health. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and adequate nutrition are essential to attain and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases , and promote overall health. This study aimed to assess and compare the nutritional status of adolescents in the urban and rural field practice areas of a tertiary care teaching Hospital. Methods: We conducted a school-based cross-sectional study among 416 adolescents aged 10–19 years residing in the urban and rural field practice areas of the Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital. We collected data between March 2023 to March 2025 using simple random sampling and a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: In urban areas, 13.46%, 7.21%, and 5.76% of adolescents were underweight, overweight, and obese, respectively, compared with 12.5%, 13.94%, and 6.25% in rural areas. Mean haemoglobin was 11.4 g/dL in urban areas and 11.3 g/dL in rural areas, while the prevalence of anaemia was 48.07% in urban areas and 57.21% in rural areas. Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight was higher among urban adolescents, whereas overweight was more common among rural adolescents. The prevalence of obesity was nearly equal in both urban and rural areas. Mean haemoglobin levels were comparable between urban and rural adolescents; however, the prevalence of anaemia was higher among rural adolescents.