CORRELATION BETWEEN NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND STRESS RESPONSE AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN KOLKATA, WEST-BENGAL

Abstract

Adolescent is the period of rapid physical and psychological changes and considered to be the most vulnerable segment of the population in relation to nutritional, physical and behavioral aspects. The changing life style pattern, dietary habits, peer pressure to achieve educational success and limited finances create a stress on them. The reciprocal interaction between stress and reproductive axis is manifested by ovulatory abnormalities and infertility in female adolescent girls. The main objective of this study is to find out whether the adolescent girls are facing any kind of stress-related hazards in reference to their diet, academic pressure and modern life-style pattern which can impair their health status. 50 adolescent girls (12-19 years) were surveyed using pre-tested questionnaires about nutritional status, general heath, menstrual cycle and source of stress. Height, weight, BMI, BMR and body fat content (by Bioimpedance analyser), blood pressure, heart rate and O2 saturation was measured. The adolescent girls were stunned which indicates chronic malnutrition and lack of physical growth. Majority of them had a lower BMI (younger) and higher dysmenorrhea (older). Academic workload was found to be the most stressful event followed by, exercising, inadequate sleep, unhealthy dietary habits, and socio-economical status.