Growth Profile and Haemoglobin Levels of Adolescent Girls from Affluent and Low Income Families of Urban and Rural Areas of Coimbatore

Abstract

The term 'Adolescence' represents a hyperanabolic phase of growth, mediated by hormonal factors and characterised by peak velocities of growth. Studies by pioneer nutritionists drive home the fact that the average, adolescent girl in India suffers gross nutritional inadequacies. Socio economic status, heredity, food habits and environment also affect their nutritional status to a great extent. Undernourished girls become undernourished mothers among whom still births are common. Survivors remain malnourished through out life due to continuing poverty. At the domestic level, the viscious cycle of the malnourished mother-child - mother continues, laying waste the cost and effort involved in pregnancy, parturition and puerperium.