Abstract:
Adolescence is a critical stage of growth and development. This study aimed at assessing
the nutritional status of female adolescents (from 17 to19 years old) in the Chavakachcheri
Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area of Jaffna District. Ethics Review Committee, Faculty
of medicine, University of Jaffna granted ethical approval for the study. Sociodemographic
information of the participants was collected using an interviewer administrated questionnaire
through household visits. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist
circumference, hip circumference, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC). Venous blood
samples were collected for biochemical analysis of haemoglobin and serum albumin
concentrations. Of the participants, 53% (n=52) were female, with a mean age of 17.9 (±0.1)
years. The mean Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and
MUAC were 20.5 (±0.4), 74.8 (±0.6) cm, 0.85 (±0.01) and 26.9 (±0.4) cm, respectively. Based
on BMI, 21.1% (n=11) were underweight, 75.0% (n=39) were of normal weight and 3.8%
(n=2) were overweight. Central obesity (WHR >0.85) was observed in 36.5% (n=19) of
females. MUAC analysis revealed that 7.7% (n=4) were malnourished (MUAC <21.6 cm),
while 3.8% (n=2) were obese (MUAC >32 cm). Mean serum albumin concentration was 3.76
(±0.1) g/L, and mean haemoglobin concentration was 11.9 (±0.3) g/dL. Anaemia prevalence
included 3.9% (n=2) with severe anaemia (Hb <7 g/dL), 11.5% (n=6) with moderate anaemia
(Hb 7.1–9.9 g/dL), and 28.8% (n=15) with mild anaemia (Hb 10–11.9 g/dL). Targeted
nutritional interventions and health promotion strategies are essential to address both
deficiencies and excesses, ensuring healthier transitions into adulthood.
