ASSESSMENTS OF BONES RELATED NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN SCHOOLS STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Unfortunately there is no published data available about the bones related nutrition status of school students any where in Pakistan, especially in Hazara circle. Objective: The study was designed to measure the daily nutritional intakes of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus and its effects on weight and height in different age groups of boys and girls schools students from different territories of Hazara. Study Design: Observation cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Health Sciences, Hazara University Mansehra, Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Subject & Methods: Data from 189 students, 96 boys and 93 girls having age 11 to 16 years obtained who were studying in schools of different areas. Age wise the number of participants were almost same in both genders. Boys and girls were divided into to different age groups such as, 11-12 years,>12-13 years,>13-14 years,>14-15 years and >15-16 years. Daily intakes of Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus of each student were calculated over the period of one month. Results: All 189 (100%) participants were receiving less amount of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus than recommended quantity of daily intakes. In boys of different age groups, the daily intakes of vitamin D was <6%, calcium <24% and phosphorus <28% of recommended quantity. Daily intakes of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus of girls groups was measured as <6%, <23% and <27% of per day recommended level. Weight and height was seen significantly more in boys than girls of age groups >13-16 years. None of the age group of both gender had standard weight and height. Conclusion: It is very astonishing that, not a single boy and girl student taking daily intake of nutrients up to the mark of recommended level. This situation is alarming to at risk factors for related sub clinical bones and health problems.