Cent Of Adolescents Research Articles

Sleep duration and association with cardiometabolic health in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes: Results from the BCQR-T1D study.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease, and insufficient sleep is prevalent. Emerging evidence suggests a link between sleep and cardiometabolic health, but this has not been examined across the lifespan in individuals with T1D. We aimed to examine associations between sleep and cardiometabolic health in adolescents and adults with T1D in a secondary analysis of data from a 4-week double-blind, random-order, placebo-controlled crossover trial of bromocriptine quick release (BCQR) therapy with a 4-week washout in between conditions. Forty-two adults (19-60 years) and 42 adolescents (12-18 years) with T1D >9 months completed 1 week of home monitoring with wrist-worn actigraphy to estimate sleep duration and continuous glucose monitoring, anthropometrics, arterial stiffness, magnetic resonance imaging (adolescents only), and fasting laboratory testing at each treatment phase. Sixty-two per cent of adolescents and 74% of adults obtained <7 h of sleep per night at baseline. After adjustment for age, sex and diabetes duration, baseline sleep <7 h per night was associated with a higher body mass index, a higher waist circumference, a higher systolic blood pressure, worse arterial stiffness and a lower estimated insulin sensitivity (all p < .05). When examined by age group, associations between sleep duration and cardiometabolic health outcomes remained significant, predominantly for adolescents. In adolescents only, wake time was significantly later (p = .027) and time in bed was significantly longer with BCQR versus placebo (p = .049). Objectively measured sleep <7 h per night was prevalent in adolescents and adults with T1D and associated with poorer cardiometabolic health markers. Small changes in sleep were seen following BCQR treatment in adolescents only. Sleep may be an important and novel target for improving cardiometabolic health in individuals with T1D.

Spectrum of structural heart disease among adolescents in a tertiary health facility in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

Background: Structural cardiac anomalies are neglected area of research among adolescents. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of presentation and clinical manifestations of structural cardiac diseases among adolescents attending UNTH, Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: An analysis of structural heart defects (congenital and acquired) seen among adolescents attending both the children outpatient clinic and cardiology clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu was undertaken over a five-year period. Results: A total of 778 echocardiography was done among children from day 1 to 24 years. Of these, 51 adolescents had echo confirmed structural heart disease. Forty-two (42/51) 82.4% had congenital heart disease. Their age ranged between 120 and 242 months with a mean age of presentation as 168 (36.5) months. The overall prevalence rates of structural heart diseases among these adolescents was (51/14,849) 0.34%; while that for congenital was (42/14849) 0.28% and that for acquired was (9/14849) 0.06%. The commonest congenital heart disease observed in these adolescents was ventricular septal defect (16/51) 31.4%, and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) (12/51) 23.5%, followed by AV canal defect (6/51) 11.8%. The commonest acquired heart disease is Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), and observed in 9.8% followed by cardiomyopathy seen in 7.8% of cases. Among those with congenital heart disease, surgery was performed in 31.8% of the subjects. However, following surgery, 78.6% (11/14) still has residual heart defect. Conclusions: The results of this study show that 0.34% per cent of adolescents who attended UNTH in Enugu State had cardiac abnormalities. The prevalence of congenital and acquired heart diseases was 0.28% and 0.06% respectively. The commonest forms seen were those with VSD and RHD.

Annual Research Review: Defining and treating pediatric treatment-resistant depression.

Adolescent major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant health problem, associated with substantial morbidity, cost, and mortality. Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death in young people. Up to twenty per cent of adolescents will experience MDD before adulthood, and while a substantial proportion will improve with standard-of-care treatments (psychotherapy and medication), roughly one third will not. Here, we have reviewed the literature in order to discuss the concept of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adolescence, examine risk factors, diagnostic difficulties, and challenges in evaluating symptom improvement, and providing guidance on how to define adequate medication and psychotherapy treatment trials. We propose a staging model for adolescent TRD and review the treatment literature. The evidence base for first- and second-line treatments primarily derives from four large pediatric clinical trials (TADS, TORDIA, ADAPT, and IMPACT). After two medications and a trial of evidence-based psychotherapy have failed to alleviate depressive symptoms, the evidence becomes quite thin for subsequent treatments. Here, we review the evidence for the effectiveness of medication switches, medication augmentation, psychotherapy augmentation, and interventional treatments (i.e., transcranial magnetic stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy, and ketamine) for adolescent TRD. Comparisons are drawn to the adult TRD literature, and areas for future pediatric depression research are highlighted. As evidence is limited for treatments in this population, a careful consideration of the known risks and side effects of escalated treatments (e.g., mood stabilizers and atypical antipsychotics) is warranted and weighed against potential, but often untested, benefits.

Violence Exposure and Self-esteem of School Going Adolescents in a Metropolitan City: A Preliminary Study

Background: Violence exposure in light of peer victimization and witnessing peer victimization is a common phenomenon in schools across the globe. The present study conceptualizes exposure at three personal levels: a) as a victim, b) as a witness, and c) as a perpetrator. Method & Materials: A semi-structured interview schedule and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale were used as study tools. Results: The findings of the study show that the entire sample had experienced violence in one form or the other in school and had witnessed the same as well. Few of the adolescents had committed violence to take revenge and settle the score for being bullied. Victimization and witnessing violence in school triggered feelings like hurt, helplessness, sadness, and anger, whereas on committing violent acts feelings of joy, fun, content and satisfaction in adolescents. Twenty per cent of adolescents had low levels of self-esteem and had average levels of self-esteem. The results showcase the reasons for bullying for fun, to hurt, to oppress or dominate others, due to personal grievances, jealousy, and growing less tolerance. Conclusion: Violence exposure to adolescents at school needs intervention. Keywords: Adolescents, violence exposure, bullying, self-esteem

Research participation provides adolescents and parents a launching pad for conversations.

Little is known about whether adolescent participation in sexual health research prompts adolescents and parents to have conversations about sensitive topics. One year after being presented with a hypothetical microbicide safety study, 248 adolescent-parent dyads were asked about conversations they may have had after their initial study visit. Sixty-three per cent of adolescents and 82% of parents reported having a conversation about the study. A launching conversation about broader topics (e.g. risk behaviours) was reported by 8% of adolescents and 17% of parents. Because there is evidence that conversations are occurring, researchers could provide guidance to help facilitate potentially sensitive discussions.

What can social work do to mitigate caregiver-perpetrated physical aggression? A study among caregivers of orphaned and vulnerable female adolescents in South Africa

ABSTRACTMany children in South Africa live outside of parental care due to orphanhood, parental labour migration, unemployment, and unstable formal partnerships. Few studies have examined risk factors for parent-to-child physical aggression (PCPA), a term encompassing varying severities of physically aggressive acts, among children residing outside of parental care. In this context prior custody preparation is uncommon,and alternative caregivers have been found to experience high levels of psychological distress and burden. This study examined these risk factors using secondary analysis of baseline cross-sectional survey data drawn from a bereavement support group evaluation. A logistic regression analysis was applied among a subgroup of 190 female adolescents residing with alternative caregivers, in an effort to inform preventative social work interventions. Half of the adolescents in the subgroup had lost a parent, while a third were double orphans. Eleven per cent of adolescents reported experiencing PCPA from their caregiver in the prior four weeks. Increasing levels of caregiver age and burden (a construct reflecting the physical, emotional and financial hardships associated with providing care) were associated with greater odds of PCPA. Sixty-one per cent of caregivers reported prior custody planning with the adolescents’ biological parent(s), and this preparation reduced the odds of physical aggression by 71%. Levels of caregiver depression and the caregiver’s relationship to the adolescent were not associated with PCPA, nor was the duration of care provided. Interventions for families at high risk of parental loss and absence should encourage custody planning and offer support to alternative caregivers in order to mitigate PCPA and its sequelae among adolescents.

Association between emotional maturity and perceived stress among adolescents

the present study was an attempt to find association between emotional maturity and perceived stress among 17 to 19 years old adolescents. the total sample for the present study consisted of 100 adolescents from different colleges of ludhiana city. emotional maturity scale developed by singh and bhargava (2012) was used to assess levels of emotional maturity of the adolescents. perceived stress scale developed by cohen et al. (1993) was used to assess stressful feelings and thoughts of the respondents. findings revealed that 82 per cent of the adolescents had high emotional maturity whereas, level of perceived stress was found to be low among 60 per cent of adolescents. the association between emotional maturity and perceived stress was found to be significant but negatively associated therefore, adolescents with higher emotional maturity were found to be low in stress. the results emphasized the role of emotional maturity in reducing stress among adolescents.

Nutritional status and school eating pattern of adolescents

Diet plays a very important role in growth and development of school going adolescents, during which the development of healthy eating habits is of supreme importance. There is a dual burden of under nutrition and over nutrition in this age-group. Nutritional needs during adolescence are increased because of the increased growth rate and changes in body composition associated with puberty. The dramatic increase in energy and nutrient requirements coincides with other factors that may affect adolescents' food choices and nutrient intake and thus, nutritional status. The present study assessed the nutritional status and Schooleating pattern of adolescents studying in Schools of Chandigarh City. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this study. A quantitative survey was carried out using a pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire among 280 students from the age group of 13 to 15 years studying in government and private schools of Chandigarh City. Demographic profile of the study participants revealed that, out of total, 30.71 per cent (86) were girls, and 69.29 per cent (194) were boys. Results of anthropometric measurements revealed that overweight, obesity and underweight was seen in 7.9 per cent, 6.4 per cent and 36.8 per cent of adolescents, respectively. Overweight and obesity was seen more in girls (11.6 % and 9.3%, respectively) as compared to boys (7.9 % and 6.9%, respectively). Underweight was more observed in boys (41.2%) as compared to girls (29.1%). Study revealed that majority of adolescents prefers to eat in school canteen even after having their packed lunch. The main reason was the influence of their peer groups. Fast food and aerated beverages were most preferred food items consumed from the school canteen. Increase trend in overweight, obesity and under nutrition in early adolescent was due to the change in dietary pattern and consumption of junk food in school. The factors responsible for this is the quest for independence and acceptance by peers, increased mobility, greater time spent at school and/or work activities, and preoccupation with self-image, contribute to the erratic and unhealthy eating behaviour that are common during adolescence. During adolescence, young people are in a transition period when they gradually take over the responsibility for their own eating habits. Knowledge is one of the factors necessary for a healthy transition of responsibility. The incidence of malnutrition can be reduced through appropriate nutrition education and intervention programs involving adolescents, their parents and teacher in the school.

Investigation of correlation between mothers’ marital satisfaction and depression among their adolescent in Shiraz

Investigation of correlation between mothers’ marital satisfaction and depression among their adolescent in Shiraz

Alcohol, binge drinking and associated mental health problems in young urban Chileans.

ObjectiveTo explore the link between alcohol use, binge drinking and mental health problems in a representative sample of adolescent and young adult Chileans.MethodsAge and sex-adjusted Odds Ratios (OR) for four mental wellbeing measures were estimated with separate conditional logistic regression models for adolescents aged 15-20 years, and young adults aged 21-25 years, using population-based estimates of alcohol use prevalence rates from the Chilean National Health Survey 2010.ResultsSixty five per cent of adolescents and 85% of young adults reported drinking alcohol in the last year and of those 83% per cent of adolescents and 86% of young adults reported binge drinking in the previous month. Adolescents who reported binging alcohol were also more likely, compared to young adults, to report being always or almost always depressed (OR 12.97 [95% CI, 1.86-19.54]) or to feel very anxious in the last month (OR 9.37 [1.77-19.54]). Adolescent females were more likely to report poor life satisfaction in the previous year than adolescent males (OR 8.50 [1.61-15.78]), feel always or almost always depressed (OR 3.41 [1.25-9.58]). Being female was also associated with a self-reported diagnosis of depression for both age groups (adolescents, OR 4.74 [1.49-15.08] and young adults, OR 4.08 [1.65-10.05]).ConclusionYoung people in Chile self-report a high prevalence of alcohol use, binge drinking and associated mental health problems. The harms associated with alcohol consumption need to be highlighted through evidence-based prevention programs. Health and education systems need to be strengthened to screen and support young people. Focussing on policy initiatives to limit beverage companies targeting alcohol to young people will also be needed.

Elevated blood pressure in Emirati adolescents – role of obesity?

Introduction: Although obesity is increasing fast, there are few data on the prevalence of high– normal or elevated blood pressure in the United Arab Emirates. Objectives: To investigate the role of obesity in elevated blood pressure in Emirati adolescents. Materials and methods: We conducted a school-based survey of a representative sample of youth (n =1524) aged 12 to 18 years in Al Ain, UAE. Blood pressure (BP) measurements were made with a manual sphygmomanometer by trained nurses. Additional measures, included height, weight and abdominal circumference were taken. Body mass index ≥ 85th and ≥ 95th percentiles were used to define overweight and obesity according to the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. The prevalence of ‘ high normal’ and ‘elevated’ BP was assessed by comparing subjects’ systolic BP and diastolic BP with age-, gender- and height-specific 90th and 95th percentile reference values from the US National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Metabolic syndrome was defined using International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Results: A high proportion of Emirati adolescents (21%) were obese compared with their non-local counterparts (16%). Six per cent of adolescents had elevated blood pressure. A high proportion (19.1%) of obese children had elevated blood pressure compared with those who were overweight (4.8%) and normal (2.1%). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was high (42%) among the obese compared with their counterparts who were overweight (14%) and normal weight (5%). Conclusions: The present findings emphasize the importance of prevention of obesity in order to prevent future cardiovascular related problems, such as hypertension.

Establishment of social clubs as a potential tool to educate adolescents living in urban field practice area of Shri BM Patil Medical college, Bijapur

Introduction: Globally half of the new HIV/AIDS cases are among the age group of 15 to 24 years and the greatest hope for changing the course of epidemic lies with the same agegroup. Within this age group, adolescents are more vulnerable to HIV infection as they do not have access to appropriate information or awareness of the dangers of high risk behavior. Objectives: Utilization and Impact of Social Clubs on imparting Knowledge to the Adolescents regarding HIV/ AIDS. Methodology: The study was conducted from Dec 2012 to Nov 2013. Assuming a 30 per cent prevalence of knowledge on HIV/AIDS, 95 per cent confidence interval and 15 per cent allowable error and 10 % dropout rate the calculated sample size was 438 adolescents Results: Out of 438 enrolled adolescents in the social club, 64 per cent participated in vocational training courses (62% girls and 38% boys) and also they participated in recreational activities and AIDS education sessions. The remaining (36%) participated only in recreational activities.88 per cent of adolescents attended more than 75 per cent of educational sessions held while 10 Per cent attended only 50 to 75 per cent of AIDS awareness sessions. Conclusion: The social clubs seem to have potentials to improve HIV/AIDS awareness among adolescents to adopt a healthy lifestyle and can be utilized to address various issues related to adolescents.

An analysis of residual orthodontic treatment need in municipal health centres.

The aim of this study was to analyse residual orthodontic treatment need in Finnish municipal health centres. A random sample of two age groups, 16- and 18-year-olds (n = 2212), from seven municipalities was invited for a clinical examination, and 1041 adolescents participated. Two calibrated orthodontists blindly examined the participants for residual treatment need, applying the Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Self-perceived treatment need, satisfaction with occlusal function, and dental appearance were evaluated with a questionnaire. Differences between objective and self-perceived treatment need and between treated and untreated adolescents were analysed using the chi-square test. A total of 18.8 per cent of all adolescents had DHC grade 4 or 5 and/or AC category 8-10, indicating a definite need for treatment. In the analysis between treated and untreated adolescents, orthodontic treatment history or gender had no statistically significant association with the objectively defined need (P > 0.05). Self-perceived treatment need was reported by 9.6 per cent of adolescents. This need was more common among treated (13.9 per cent) than untreated (4.6 per cent) adolescents (P < 0.001). Among all adolescents, satisfaction with occlusal function was high, 91.3 per cent; 78.9 per cent of adolescents were satisfied with their dental appearance. The main reasons for dissatisfaction and self-perceived need were visible contact point displacements. The observed proportion of residual orthodontic treatment need is in line with earlier findings. The high satisfaction with occlusal function reflects the applied selection criteria; orthodontic treatment of displacements causing only aesthetic concern is not prioritized.

Nutrition in Colombian pregnant women

The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of pregnant women in Colombia and the associations between gestational BMI and sociodemographic and gestational characteristics. Cross-sectional study. A secondary analysis was made of data from the 2005 Demographic and Health Survey of Colombia. Bogotá, Colombia. Pregnant adolescents aged 13-19 years (n 430) and pregnant women aged 20-49 years (n 1272). The gestational BMI and sociodemographic characteristics of the adolescents differed from those of the pregnant adult women. Thirty-one per cent of the adolescents were underweight for gestational age, compared with 14·5 % of the adult women. Eighteen per cent of adolescents were overweight for gestational age, in contrast to 37·3 % of adult women. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 44·7 % and the prevalence of low serum ferritin was 38·8 %. Women within the high quintiles of the wealth index (prevalence odds ratio (POR) = 0·56; 95 % CI 0·34, 0·91, P < 0·02) had lower odds of being underweight. Women who received prenatal care (POR = 2·17; 95 % CI 1·48, 3·09, P < 0·001) and were multiparous (POR = 2·10; 95 % CI 1·43, 3·15, P < 0·0 0 1) had higher odds of being overweight. Women in extended families (POR = 0·63; 95 % CI 0·50, 0·95, P < 0·025) had lower odds of being overweight. Underweight in pregnant adolescents and overweight in adult women coexist as a double burden in Colombia. Factors associated with malnutrition among pregnant women and adolescents should be considered for future interventions in countries experiencing nutritional transition.

Adolescents’ experiences of coping with domestic violence

This paper is a report of a study of experiences of domestic violence and coping among ninth-grade (14-17 years old) adolescents. Domestic violence is commonplace and adolescents are involved in it either as witnesses or victims. Research has shown that different degrees of domestic violence play a major role in adolescent well-being and coping. A survey of ninth graders in one municipality in Finland was conducted in 2007. A total of 1393 adolescents participated, giving a 78% response rate. The survey included two validated scales, the Violence Scale and the Adolescent Coping Scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine coping among adolescents with and without experience of domestic violence. Sixty-seven per cent of adolescents had experienced parental symbolic aggression, 55% mild violence and 9% serious violence. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that experiences of violence were associated with deterioration in self-rated health, life satisfaction, adolescent giving in when in a conflict situation, approval of corporal punishment and coping by seeking to belong and self-blame. Those with experience of domestic violence did not seek professional help. Adolescents experiencing domestic violence do not seek help and care providers should therefore take active measures to help them. These adolescents reported that they were satisfied with life, which makes it difficult to identify their need for help. Resources should be developed to identify and help these adolescents.

A sella turcica bridge in subjects with dental anomalies

Calcification of the interclinoid ligament (ICL) of the sella turcica, or sella turcica bridging, has been associated with severe craniofacial deviations. Despite no comprehensive study on the sella turcica bridge, a relationship with tooth and eruption disturbances has been reported. In order to investigate whether congenital absence of the second mandibular premolar, or the presence of a palatally displaced canine (PDC), is associated with sella bridging, a retrospective study was performed. Lateral cephalometric radiographs from 20 males and 14 females, aged between 8 and 16 years, with a PDC and second mandibular premolar aplasia were reviewed and compared with a control group. A standardized scoring scale was established to quantify the extent of a sella turcica bridge from each radiograph (no calcification, partially calcified, and completely calcified). The prevalence of complete calcification of the ICL in adolescents with dental anomalies was equal to 17.6 per cent, while an incidence 9.9 per cent was found in the control group. A partially calcified sella turcica was observed in 58.8 per cent of adolescents with dental anomalies compared with 33.7 per cent in the control group. The association between the degree of calcification of the ICL and the presence of dental anomalies in the studied adolescents was statistically significant according to chi-square statistics (P = 0.004). This was confirmed by Fisher's exact test (P = 0.003). According to these findings, the prevalence of a sella turcica bridge in adolescents with dental anomalies is increased, while age and gender do not greatly influence ossification of the ICL. The very early appearance during development of a sella turcica bridge should alert clinicians to possible tooth anomalies in life later.

Sense of place amongst adolescents and adults in two rural Australian towns: The discriminating features of place attachment, sense of community and place dependence in relation to place identity

This study investigates whether dimensions of sense of place can discriminate those residents who identify with their rural town, and prefer to stay, from those who do not, and whether patterns of association between these dimensions differ between adolescent and adult residents. Participants were 246 adults and 365 adolescents in two remote rural towns in Australia. Place identity was determined from residents’ responses on a single item, ‘I would really rather live in a different town. This one is not the place for me.’ Three groups were classified: those agreeing, undecided and disagreeing with the statement. Discriminating variables were place attachment (emotional bonding and behavioural commitment), sense of community (affiliation and belonging) and place dependence (available activities, quality and quality comparison with alternative communities). A direct discriminant function analysis showed 76.4 per cent of adults were correctly classified from one discriminant function accounting for 92 per cent of the variance. Indicators of dependence, belonging, behavioural commitment and emotional bonding, loaded above 0.45. Sixty-two per cent of adolescents were correctly classified from one discriminant function accounting for 93.6 per cent of the variance. Indicators of dependence and belonging loaded 0.45 and above. Discussion considers distinguishing dimensions of sense of place and identifying associations amongst them as ways to explore the experience of community in everyday life.

Correlates of depressive symptoms in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

To determine correlates of depression in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Data on 117 adolescents participating in a longitudinal study (72 F, 45 M; 95 W; age = 14.3 +/- 2.0 yr; duration = 6.3 +/- 3.7) were collected with the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Diabetes Family Behavior Scale (DFBS), Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES), and chart review at study entry and 2-year follow-up. Fifteen per cent of adolescents in this sample demonstrated depressive symptoms (CDI > 13) at study entry and 10% at 2 yr follow-up. Adolescents aged 14.1-16 yr and those with diabetes > 10 yr demonstrated the highest rates. When demographic/clinical variables were controlled, the DFBS warmth-caring subscale (p = 0.001) and the FACES adaptability subscale (p = 0.005), but not DFBS guidance-control (p = 0.635), contributed significantly to the explained variance in depressive symptoms (R(2) = 0.27) at study entry. At 2 yr follow-up, study entry CDI scores were the only significant predictor of depressive symptoms (R(2) = 0.40). By 2 yr, adolescents with depressive symptoms had significantly higher HbA1c than those without (p = 0.03). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents with type 1 diabetes coupled with the potential impact of depressive symptoms on metabolic control suggest the need for early diagnosis and treatment. Greater attention to psychosocial outcomes of youth, family functioning, and the potential burden of diabetes over time to youth/families is indicated.

Prevalence of psychological problems in Irish school going adolescents

AbstractObjectives: To establish the prevalence of psychological problems in older adolescents.Method: The Youth Self Report was completed by teenagers in a class group. Percentages scoring above clinical threshold were calculated. Gender differences and variances between school type were examined.Results: Seven hundred and seventy-nine students participated in the study, 373 males and 406 females. Of the girls 23% reported problems in the clinical range on total problem score compared with 19% of boys. Significant gender differences were noted on total problem and internalising scores but not on externalising scores. The levels of psychological problems did not appear to be influenced by school type. Of the total group 6.4% reported thinking of suicide frequently (almost twice as many girls as boys) and this rose to 25% of girls who scored in the clinical range of total problem score and 15% of boys.Conclusions: Twenty-one per cent of adolescents had problems in the clinical range. Girls reported more problems than boys. It was surprising to find that there was no gender difference in reported levels of externalising problems. The high expression of suicidal and thoughts of self-harm in those with externalising and internalising problems is of concern. This highlights the vulnerability of older adolescents as they tend to fall between the current child and adolescent services. Service provision for this population should be a priority in rural areas and on a national basis.

Adolescent nutrition in a rural community in Bangladesh.

The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescent boys and girls in a rural community in Bangladesh. Between December 1996 and January 1997, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in 803 households, each containing at least one adolescent, sampled consecutively from four purposely-selected villages in Rupganj Thana, Narayanganj district. Initially, the guardians of 1483 healthy and unmarried 10-17 year old adolescents (51% boys and 49% girls) were interviewed about family structure and socio-economic status. Out of these children, 906 (47% boys and 53% girls) from 597 households were weighed, had their height and MUAC measured and were clinically examined. Blood was then collected from 861 adolescents for haemoglobin estimation. The median monthly income per person in these 597 families was approximately Taka 554 (US $12). Twenty seven per cent of the household heads were labourers, 21% were solvent farmers, 14% ran small scale businesses and 6% were unemployed. Sixty seven per cent of adolescents were thin (defined as BMI < 5th centile of WHO recommended reference) with 75% boys and 59% girls being affected. The percentage of thin adolescents fell from 95% at age 10 years to 12% at age 17 years. The prevalence of stunting (height for age < 3rd centile NCHS/WHO) was 48% for both boys and girls and rose from 34% at age 10 to 65% at age 17. On clinical examination angular stomatitis was present in 46%, 27% had glossitis, 38% had pallor, 11% had dental caries, 3.2% had an conspicuously enlarged thyroid and 2.1% had eye changes of vitamin A deficiency. According to INACG (International Nutritional Anaemia Consultative Group, 1985) cut-off values, 94% of the boys and 98% of the girls were anaemic. We conclude that rural Bangladesh adolescents suffer from high rates of malnutrition and almost universal anaemia. Nutritional interventions to target this population are urgently required.