ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AMONG SCHOOL-GOING CHILDREN THROUGH THEIR DIETARY INTAKE

Abstract

Background: Nutritional assessment is an important component which is helpful to measures the health status of children. In developing countries malnutrition among children is a major problem affecting the health of children. It is important to determine the prevalence rate or nutritional related disorders among children. In this study measured dietary intake of school going children between 7-15 years of age and effect of their dietary habits on health status. Objective: To assessment of nutritional status among school-going children through their dietary intake. Methods: Samples of 200 students were selected from High Secondary School, Lahore. For the purpose of data collection, a semi-structured questionnaire was formulated and demographics and anthropometric measurements such as weight and height were recorded. Data were analyzed by using bar charts and frequency tables. Result: The result of the study showed 59.9% of the children were normal, 31.2% were underweight and 4.4% were obese. Only 37.1% school-going children take milk on daily basis. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner intakes were 75.6%, 81%, and 85.9% respectively. Conclusion: To find nutritional status ones of the primary and effective methods is nutritional assessment. Assessment can be done on anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and dietary basis. In childhood age good nutrition is necessary for optimal growth. This study will be helpful to conduct further research to improve health status and dietary habits of children.

Keywords: Nutritional Assessment, Anthropometric, Dietary Habits, 24 hrs. Dietary recall, School going children