A Study On Current Trends in Malnutrition and Physical Activity Status Among Female Students of Technical Education

Abstract

The present study was conducted to understand and identify the trends in the prevalence of malnutrition, physical activity status of the female students of technical Education. This experimental study with cross sectional design recruited one hundred and seventy female B. Tech. students aged between 18-20 years from a reputed women’s Engineering college in Hyderabad by adopting random sampling technique. Anthropometric measurements such as height, weight was measured using standard procedures. The body mass index (BMI) was derived using weight and height of the subjects based on which the subjects were divided into underweight, normal weight and overweight/ obese subjects as per WHO norms. The body composition was assessed by using bioelectrical impedance principle. The physical activity status was assessed by the time allocation pattern method. The results of this study had shown that out of 170 students, 19.4% were found to be underweight, 59.4% normal weight and 21.2% were in overweight/ obese category based on their BMI status. The physical activity status data had shown, 66.5% of the students were physically inactive and only 33.5% were physically active. It can be concluded from this study that current trends in prevalence of higher levels of malnutrition (both under and over nutrition) and physical inactivity which needs to be attended through required measures. It is recommended that credit based mandatory Physical Education programmes in technical Educational Institutions to motivate the female students to participate in regular physical activities. Awareness programmes on importance of proper diet and regular physical activity for health and fitness, optimum work capacity, prevention of malnutrition and related health risks must be organised as a top priority for the students of technical education.