Health Challenges Among Adolescent Girls in Odisha: A Cross-Sectional Study on Nutritional Status, Menstrual Health, and Psychological Well-being
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Adolescence is a critical phase marked by rapid growth and development, significantly influencing health behaviors and outcomes.In India, adolescent girls, often vulnerable, face various health challenges, including malnutrition, menstrual disorders, and psychological issues, exacerbated by socioeconomic factors.Methods: This cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted on 480 school-going adolescent girls aged 10-17 years at the Paediatric OPD, PRM Medical College and Hospital, Odisha.Data were collected through a pre-designed proforma, clinical examinations, and anthropometric measurements.Nutritional status was assessed using BMI, and data were analyzed using R Software.Results: The mean age of participants was 14.01±1.42years.Most were from low socioeconomic backgrounds, with the largest group from the upper lower-middle class (38.2%).The nutritional assessment showed 69% had normal BMI, 24.2% were underweight, 8.9% overweight, and 4.1% obese.Menarche was reached by 70.2%, with a mean age of 13.5±0.22years.Dysmenorrhea was reported by 29.1% of participants.Psychological issues were present in 2.7%, and 20.1% exhibited pallor.Significant associations were found between nutritional status and socioeconomic status, mothers' occupations, family type, and diet.Conclusion: Malnutrition, menstrual irregularities, and psychological issues are prevalent among adolescent girls in Odisha, influenced by socioeconomic and environmental factors.There is a pressing need for community-based health programs to improve the overall well-being of this vulnerable population.
Authors: Dhananjaya Panda, Anand Sankar Sastry, Rakesh Kumar Ludam, Santanu Kumar Padhy, Purna Chandra Pradhan
Language: English
Topic: Human Health and Disease
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4407134088