Nutritional status of school-going children

ABSTRACT

One hundred female students [10-15 years] from the girls' section of Peshawar University Model School were selected and divided into six groups according to their age. Anthropometric measurement, biochemical indicators, feeding habits and socio-economic status were discussed. Deficiency in weight [13-32%], height [14-37%], mid-arm circumference [17-42%], protein [21-29%], hemoglobin [14-67%] and packed cell volume [8-22%] were prevalent among all the groups. Food habits revealed little inclusion of energy rich foods hence deficiency in caloric intake [36-63%] was observed. Socio-economic status coincided with food habits and caloric intake because 75 percent parents of the students were from low to middle class and 25 percent from well-to-do families