http://doi.org/10.33698/NRF0069 Manpreet Kaur*, Kuldeep Kaur, Suresh K.Sharma
Abstract : Young age is considered as one of the healthiest periods in human life but certain health problems are more prevalent in younger people than in children or adults. Thus, to assess and compare the health status of young males and females this study was carried out. The design was comparative and cross-sectional, which comprised of young males and females in the age-group of 13-21 years residing in rural community, U.T., Chandigarh. The data pertaining to socio demographic characteristics, health related information and mental health was collected by interviewing, physical examination and measuring. The mean age of female and male subjects was 16.36±2.24 years and 16.50±2.25 years respectively. Nearly 39.6% female and 27.8% male subjects had acute health problems whereas 16.5% female subjects and 4% male subjects had chronic health problems. The mean body mass index of female and male subjects was 19.5 kg/m2 and 18.30 kg/m2 respectively. Anemia was prevalent in nearly 70.3% female and 40% of male subjects. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was higher among males. Almost 28.6% female and 12.1% males had mild neuroticism. Considering the prevalence of various health problems females are affected more as compared to males.
Key words :Young males, young females, Morbidities, Physical examination, Anaemia, Body Mass Index, Neuroticism.
Correspondence at :Rashmi Gulia
National Institute of Nursing Eduction PGIMER, Chandigarh.
Introduction
Health is something positive, a joyful attitude towards life, and a cheerful acceptance of the responsibilities that life puts upon the individual. In recent years this concept of health has been amplified to lead a “social and productive life”.1 Health can be measured by its physical, mental, and social health dimensions. The physical dimension of health implies the notion of perfect functioning of the body. There are various tools and techniques which may be used in various combinations for the assessment of physical health.2 They include; self assessment of health, inquiry into symptoms of ill-health, inquiry into medications, inquiry into levels of activity, inquiry into use of medical services, clinical examination, nutrition and dietary assessment, biochemical and laboratory investigations. Good mental health implies that it is the ability to respond to many varied experiences of life with flexibility and a sense of purpose. Assessment of mental health is possible by administering mental health questionnaire.WHO considers “adolescence” as the period between 10 and 19 years of age. “Youth is defined by the United Nations as 15-24 years and the term “young” refers to the composite age group of 10-24 years.3 Young age is considered one of the healthiest periods in human life on the basis of mortality rates.4 Having survived the vulnerability of childhood years, they are intrinsically healthy. Certain health problems are more prevalent in adolescents than in children or adults. These include health problems resulting from early, unprotected and unwanted sexual activity; substance use and abuse; injuries from accidents and violence; problems associated with nutrition and some endemic diseases.5 Body Mass Index (BMI) is used most frequently for determining the prevalence of overweight, obesity and percentile distribution of body height and weight. It is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity.Mental health is described by WHO as a state of well being in which the individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his/her community.6 Neuroticism is a general vulnerability to neurotic breakdown under stress and is a heritable personality trait and has been positively associated with depression. Mental health problems are manifestations of a disordered or maladjusted personality. If these problems are not detected early and treated properly and if the child is allowed to drift along, he is likely to develop a neurotic behaviour.It is observed that there are lot of disparities in the health status of young people in different countries, within country and most significantly in the gender. Also the large number of studies has been done on the school going students, adolescents, and separately among young males and females, but no study has been done in the age group of 13-21 years.
Objective:Main objective of the study was to compare the health status of young males and females.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in rural area of Dhanas, U.T., Chandigarh. Dhanas is situated on the Nor th-West corner of Chandigarh. Dhanas village was purposely selected for the study because this is a field practice area of N.I.N.E. PGIMER, Chandigarh and a good rapport had been built with the residents of this area during the field experience. The residents of the village Dhanas are mainly migrants from various states of India like Punjab, U.P, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar etc. while a few are from neighouring country Nepal. The residents of the village Dhanas are mainly engaged in the occupations of agriculture, selling milk and petty business. A small number of them are Govt. employees, such as teachers, clerks, sweepers and peons. The total population of the village Dhanas is approximately 3700 according to records maintained by auxillary nurse midwife of the area.Prior to data collection a house to house survey was done to enumerate all the young males and females in the age group of 13-21 years which came out to be 588 young people (314 males and 274 females). They comprise almost 16% of the total population. Considering the time available, it was decided that the entire population of the study area could not be studied, thus systematic random sampling method was adopted and every 3rd individual was taken up for the study. The first individual (1-3) was selected through simple random sampling lottery method. Subsequently every 3rd individual was taken as study subject. In case of refusal, or unavailability of the study subject for the three consecutive visits then, the next individual was taken.Data was collected by using interview schedule and physical examination. The survey proforma was used to enlist all the target population in the area. Event calendar was used to assess the age if the subject was not aware of his accurate age. Interview schedule included the questions pertaining to socio-demographic profile, health related information and mental health. Physical Examination included head to foot examination and certain investigations such as height, weight, blood pressure, haemoglobin estimation, urine examination for sugar and protein. Mental health assessment was done by using PGI N-2 health questionnaire which is a standardized questionnaire to evaluate subject’s propensity to develop neuroticism under stress.
Results
Fig. 1 describes the age-wise distribution of study subjects. The mean age of female subjects was 16.36±2.24 years whereas the mean age of male subjects were 16.50±2.25 years. Statistically there was no difference in the age of female and male subjects (p>0.05).
Figure 1: Age Wise Distribution of Subjects Table 1 depicts the socio-demo- graphic profile of study subjects. As per marital status, all the male subjects were unmarried, whereas 9.9 female subjects were married. Out of all the female subjects, 67% belonged to joint family, and 64.3% male subjects belonged to joint family, 47.3% female subjects were Hindu while 50.5% male subjects were Hindu. Among all the subjects, majority of female and male subjects i.e. 57 (62.6%) and 58 (57.4%) respectively belonged to General Caste. Table 2 presents the distribution of subjects as per their acute and chronic health problems. Out of 91 female subjects, 36(39.6%) had acute health problems whereas only 28(27.8%) male subjects had acute health problems. Non-parametric chi-square test was applied to compare the acute health problems in both the groups and it was statistically non significant (p>0.05).Out of 192 subjects, 15(16.5%) female subjects and 4(4.0%) male subjects had chronic health problems. x2 test with Yates correction was applied and there was statistical significant difference among males and females in terms of presence of chronic health problems (p<0.05).
Table – 1: Socio-Demographic profile of study subjects N= 192
| Variables | Females (n1=91) f (%) | Males (n2=101) f (%) |
| Marital Status | ||
| Unmarried | 82(90.1) | 101(100.0) |
| Married | 09(09.9) | – |
| Type of family |
Religion
|
Hindu 43(47.3) 51(50.5)
Sikh 37(40.6) 42(41.6)
Others* 11(12.1) 08(07.9)
Caste
| General | 57(62.6) | 58(57.4) | |
| Backward | 22(24.2) | 16(15.8) c2=6.23 d.f.=2 | |
| Scheduled | 12(13.2) | 27(26.8) p<0.05 |
* others include 11 female and 7 male subjects following Muslim religion and 1 male subject following Christian religion
Table – 2: Distribution of subjects as per their health problems N =192
| Health problems | Females | Males |
| (n1=91) f(%) | (n2=101) f(%) |
| Acute health problems | 36(39.6) | 28(27.8) | c2 =3.1,df=1 | |
| p>0.05 | ||||
| Chronic health problems | 15(16.5) | 04*(04.0) | 2=4.94,df=1 | |
| p<0.05 |
*Yates correction is applied to calculate chi-square
Table 3 depicts the various acute health problems among the study subjects. Acute health problems were categorized into undiagnosed and diagnosed health problems. As per undiagnosed health problems out of 36 females and 28 males, 36.1% female subjects and 35.7% male subjects had common cold followed by 30.6% female subjects and 28.6% male subjects were suffering from cough.As per the diagnosed health problems, fever was present in 7(19.4%) female subjects and 9(32.1%) male subjects. Fever was associated with cold and cough in 6 female and 7 male subjects.
Table – 3 : Distribution of subject as per their acute health Problems N =192
| Acute Health Problems | Females | Males |
| (n1=91)
f(%)* |
(n2=101)
f(%)* |
|
| Acute Undiagnosed Health problems | 36(39.6) | 28(27.8) |
| Common cold | 13(36.1) | 10(35.7) |
| Cough | 11(30.6) | 08(28.6) |
| Nausea and vomiting | 05(13.9) | 01(03.6) |
| Headache | 04(11.1) | 03(10.7) |
| Abdominal pain | 03(08.3) | 02(7.1) |
| Backache | 02(05.6) | 01(03.6) |
| Diarrhea | 02(05.6) | 01(03.6) |
| Dysmennorhoea | 02(05.6) | – |
| Anorexia | – | 01(03.6) |
| Diagnosed Health Problems | ||
| Fever* | 07(19.4) | 09(32.1) |
| Asthma | 01(02.8) | – |
| Tonsillitis | 01(02.8) | 01(03.6) |
| Seizures | 01(02.8) | – |
| Boil on left foot | – | 01(03.6) |
| Dog Bite on left leg | – | 01(03.6) |
| Scabies | – | 01(03.6) |
* % more than 100 as few subjects had more than 1 problem,
Table 4 depicts the various chronic health problems present among the study subjects. All the chronic health problems were classified into diagnosed and undiagnosed. Among undiagnosed health problems irregular menstrual cycle was present in 2(13.4%) female subjects whereas dysmenorrhoea was present in 2(13.4%) female subject. Headache was also present in 1(6.7%) female subject and constipation present in 1(16.7%) male subject. Among diagnosed chronic health problems, 4(26.7%) female and 1(25.0%) male subjects had epilepsy whereas 2(13.4%) female and 1(25.0%) male subject had asthma. One female subject each had hysteria, hypothyroidism, acne vulgaris and tuberculosis whereas one male subject had rickets.
Table – 4 : Distribution of subject as per their chronic health Problems N=192
| Health Problems | Females | Males |
| (n1=91)
f(%)* |
(n2=101)
f(%)* |
|
| Chronic problems present | 14(16.5) | 04(04.0) |
| Undiagnosed Health Problems | ||
| Irregular menstrual cycle | 02(13.3) | – |
| Dysmennorhoea | 02(13.3) | – |
| Headache | 01(06.7) | – |
| Constipation | – | 01(25.0) |
| Diagnosed Health Problems | ||
| Epilepsy | 04(26.7) | 01(25.0) |
| Asthma | 02(13.4) | 01(25.0) |
| Tuberculosis | 01(06.7) | – |
| Hypothyroidism | 01(06.7) | – |
| Acne vulgaris | 01(06.7) | – |
| Hysteria | 01(06.7) | 01(25.0) |
| Rickets | – |
% more than 100 as few subjects had more than 1 problem,
Table 5 describes the findings of the physical examination of skin, hair, face and nails, oral cavity, eyes, ears and nose. Dandruff was present in 39(42.9%) female subjects and 24(23.7%) male subjects followed by pediculosis in 18 (19.8%) female and 2(2.0%) male subjects. Acne was present in 24(26.4%) female and 23(22.8%) male subjects. Cracked lips were present in 28(30.8%) female subjects and 10(9.9%) male subjects whereas dry lips were present in 17(18.7%) female and 21(20.8%) male subjects. Coated tongue was present in 15(16.5%) female and 16(15.8%) male subjects. Bleeding gums were present in 10(11.0%) female and 11(11.0%) male subjects whereas swollen gums were present in 3(3.3%) female and 6(5.9%) male subjects. Nearly 56(61.5%) female and 54(53.5%) male subjects had dental caries. Submandibular glands were enlarged in 2(2.0%) male subjects. Out of 192 subjects 7(7.7%) female subjects and 7 (7.0%) male subjects were suffering from short sightedness. Nearly half of 45(49.5%) female and 54(53.5%) male subjects had wax impaction. Deviated nasal septum was present in 3(3.3%) female and 1(1.0%) male subject.
Table – 5 : Distribution of subjects as per their physical examination of hair, face, nails, oral cavity, nose, eyes ears. N=192
| Variables | Females (n1=91)
f(%)* |
Males (n2=101)
f(%)* |
| Hair | ||
| Dandruff | 39(42.9) | 24(23.7) |
| Pediculosis | 18(19.8) | 02(02.0) |
| Grey Hair | 03(03.0) | 04(04.0) |
| Unclean Hair | 02(02.2) | 04(04.0) |
| Falling of Hair | 02(02.2) | 01(01.0) |
| Face | ||
| Acne | 24(26.4) | 23(22.8) |
| Pale | 12(13..2) | 05(04.9) |
| Flushed | 01(01.1) | – |
| Allergic reaction | 01(01.1) | – |
| Chloasma | 01(01.1) | – |
| Lips | ||
| Cracked | 28(30.8) | 10(09.9) |
| Dry | 17(18.7) | 21(20.8) |
| Bleeding | 04(04.4) | 03(03.0) |
| Bitten lips | – | 01(01.0) |
| Variables | Females (n1=91)
f(%)* |
Males (n2=101)
f(%)* |
| Tongue | ||
| Coated | 15(16.5) | 16(15.8) |
| Sores | 03(03.3) | 03(03.0) |
| Gums | ||
| Bleeding | 10(11.0) | 11(11.0) |
| Swollen | 03(03.3) | 06(05.9) |
| Teeth | ||
| Caries | 56(61.5) | 54(53.5) |
| Missing | 08(08.8) | 08(7.9) |
| Filling | 05(05.5) | 02(02.0) |
| Broken | 01(01.1) | – |
| Tobacco stained | – | 02(02.0) |
| Oral Mucosa | ||
| Sores | 04(04.4) | 01(01.0) |
| Sumandibular glands | ||
| Enlarged | – | 02(02.0) |
| Not enlarged | 91(100.0) | 99(98.0) |
| Eyes | ||
| Short sightedness | 07(07.7) | 07(07.0) |
| Squint | 03(03.3) | – |
| Discharge | 01(01.1) | – |
| Ears | ||
| Wax impaction | 45(49.5) | 54(53.5) |
| Pus discharge | 01(01.1) | – |
| Nose | ||
| Deviated nasal septum | 03(03.3) | 01(01.0) |
| Running Nose | – | 01(01.0) |
*% more than 100 as a few subjects had more than 1 problem
Table 6 presents the findings of chest and limbs examination of the study subjects only 1(1.0%) male subject had pigeon chest (who had rickets) whereas all other subjects 91(100.0%) female and 100 (99.0%) male subjects had normal chest shape. Only 1(1.1%) female subjects had fast chest movement because of asthma while all 191 subjects had normal chest movements. Among 101 male subjects 1(1.0%) had one extra thumb on his left hand whereas all the others subjects had normal upper extremities. Long nails were present among 22(24.2%) female and 10(10.0%) male subjects. Out of 192 subjects 1(1.0%) male subject had both his lower legs affected with rickets.
Table – 6 : Distribution of study subjects as per their physical examination
| of chest and limbs | N=192 | |
| Variables | Females (n1=91)
f(%)* |
Males (n2=101)
f(%)* |
| Chest Shape | ||
| Pigeon chest | – | 01(01.1) |
| Chest Movement | ||
| Fast | 01(01.1) | – |
| Upper Extremities | ||
| Polydactyl | – | 01(01.0) |
| Nails | ||
| Long Nails | 22(24.2) | 10(10.0) |
| Dirty Nails | 15(16.5) | 19(18.8) |
| Bitten Nails | 06(06.6) | 11(10.8) |
| Lower Extremities | ||
| Both legs affected with rickets | – | 01(01.0) |
| Missing toes of left foot | – | 01(01.0) |
Fig. 2 reveals the abdominal girth of the study subjects. The mean abdominal girth of the female study subjects is 67.17±8.32cm with a range 55-98 cm whereas the mean abdominal girth of male study subjects was 68.81±8.04cm with a range of 56-109cm. Out of 192 subjects, 47(51.6%) female subjects and 58(57.4%) male subjects had their abdominal girth between 60.1-70 cm.
Figure 2 : Abdominal girth of the Study Subjects
Table 7 depicts the percentage distribution of study subjects as per their body mass index. The body mass index of female subjects ranged between 13.89-29.10 with mean BMI 19.5±3.40 whereas BMI of male subjects ranged between 13.33-27.70 with a mean BMI of 18.30 ± 3.20. It was observed that 45.1% female subjects and 61.4% male subjects were underweight. Almost half of (50.5%) female subjects and 34.7% subjects had their BMI within normal range. Non- parametric chi-square test was applied and the results were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05).
Table – 7 : Body Mass Index of the study Subjects
BMI(Kg/m2) Females Males (n1=91) (n2=101)
|
f(%) f(%)
< 18.50 (under weight) 41(45.1) 62(61.4)
18-50-24.99 (normal) 46(50.5) 35(34.7)
25.00-29.99 (over weight) 04(04.4) 03(02.9)
N.A – 01(01.0)
*BMI values above and below normal (Ist and IIIrd categories) are merged to apply chi square
Table 8 describes the distribution of study subjects as per their hemoglobin estimation. Out of 17 female subjects below the age of 15 years only 2(11.8%) of subjects were anemic i.e. Hb. <12gm./dl and 15(88.2%) were not anemic whereas out of 24 male subjects below the age of 15 years, 4(16.7%) were anemic and 20(83.3%) were not anemic. Almost 86.1% female subjects and 48.0% male subjects above the age of 15 years were anemic whereas 13.9% female and 52.0% male subjects were not anemic. More females were found to be anemic as compared to the male subjects and the results were highly significant (p<0.001).
Table – 8 : Distribution of subjects as per their hemoglobin estimation N=192
| Variables
Age /Hb level (gm/dl) |
Females n1=89*
Anemic Not Anemic |
Anemic |
Males n2=99*
Not Anemic |
| < 15 years | 02(11.8) 15(88.2) | 4(16.7) | 20(83.3) c2=18.82
d.f.=1** |
| ³15 years | 62(86.1) 10(86.1) | 36(48.0) | 39(52.0) p<0.001 |
* two males and two female subjects refused for Hb estimation
** chi square is calculated in two groups anemic and not anemic among males and females irrespective of age though cut off level for males above 15 years is 13 gm/dl.
Table 9 describes the distribution of study subjects as per their Urine examination, sugar was absent in urine among all the 190(100.0%) subjects. While traces of albumin were found in urine of 1(1.1%) female and 6(6.0%) male subjects.
| Table – 9 : Distribution of subjects as per | their urine examination | N=192 |
| Urine Examination | Females f% n1=90 | Males f% n2=100 |
| Urine Sugar
Absent |
90(100.0)* |
100* |
| Urine Albumin | ||
| Absent | 89(98.9) | 94 |
| Traces | 01(01.1) | 06 |
* each one male & one female subject refused for urine examination Table 10 describes the systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of the study subjects. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) of female subjects was 107.09±9.41mmHg with range 85- 128mmHg whereas mean SBP of male subjects was 113.26±9.83 with range 89- 139 mmHg. Nearly 88.5% females and 76.6% males had normal systolic blood pressure i.e.<120 mmHg among subjects in the age group of 13-17 years and 11.5% female and 23.4% male subjects were prehypertensive i.e. (120-135mmHg). About 83.6% of female subjects and 82.8% male subjects had normal diastolic blood pressure <80mmHg subjects below 18 years of age.The mean diastolic blood pressure of female subjects was 69.23±8.14mmHg with the range 58-88mmHg whereas the mean diastolic blood pressure of male subjects was 72.20±7.64 with the range 60-94mmHg. Of all the subjects, 33(89.2%) female and 29(96.7%) male subjects above the age of 18 year had normal diastolic blood pressure (<85mmHg). Nearly 1(3.3%) female and 2(5.4%) male subjects had their diastolic blood pressure as high normal (85-90mmHg) whereas 2(5.4%) subjects had mild hypertension
Table – 10 : Distribution of study subjects as per their blood pressure N=192
Variables Females Males n1=91 n2=101
Systolic BP (mmHg)
Age in years (13-17 yrs.)
<120 (normal) 54(88.5) 49(76.6)
120-135 (Pre Hypertensive) 07(11.5) 15(23.4)
Systolic BP Age ³ 18yrs
< 130 (normal) 30(100.0) 34(91.9)
130-139 (High Normal) – 03(08.1)
Diastolic BP
|
Age in years (13-17 yrs.)
| < 80 (normal) | 51(83.6) | 53(82.8) |
| 80-85 (Pre Hypertensive) | 09(14.8) | 09(14.1) |
| 86-92 Grade-I Hypertensive | 09(14.8) | 02(03.1) |
Diastolic BP Age ³18 yrs
< 80 (Normal) 29(96.7) 33(89.2)
85-90 (High Normal) 01(03.3) 02(05.4)
90-99 (Mild Hypertension) – 02(05.4)
Table 11 depicts the mental health of the study subjects which was assessed by using PGI N-2 Health questionnaire. Out of 192 subjects, 52(57.1%) of female subjects and 82(81.2%) of male subjects had normalmental health whereas 31(34.1%) female and 14(13.9%) male subjects had mild neuroticism. Out of 192 subjects 8(8.8%) female subjects and 8(7.9%) male subjects gave the socially desirable answers.
Table – 11: Mental health of young males and females N=192
| Variables | Males | Total | Females | Total | |
| Lie Score
0-4 |
5-10 |
Lie Score
0-4 |
5-10* |
||
| Normal | 76(75.2) | 6(5.9) 82 | 50(54.9) | 2(2.2) | 52 |
| Mild neuroticism | 13(12.9) | 1(1.0) 14 | 26(28.6) | 5(5.5) | 31 |
| Neuroticism | 4(3.9) | 1(1.0) 5 | 7(7.7) | 1(1.1) | 8 |
*Lie score of 5 or above mean that subject have given socially desirable answers
Discussion: Health is an impor tant aspect of everyone’s life and it can be measured by physical, mental and social parameters. The present study is taken up with the objectives to rule out the differences in the health status of young males and females in the rural community.In the present study the mean age was 16.36±2.24 years of females and 16.50±2.25 years of males. Inadequate oral hygiene was present in 10.2%, pediculosis in 19.8%, common cold in 33.4%, cough in 32.2%, Lymphadenopathy in 2.0%, Scabies in 3.6%, Inflamed Tonsils in 2.8% and Ear Discharge in 1.1% subjects while in a study done on the health status of 400 young people in the age group 10-19 years in the slums of Lucknow, the various morbid conditions found were inadequate oral hygiene (55.4%), Pediculosis (39.2%,) Cold and Cough (25.8%),Lymphadenopathy (22.2%), Scabies (16.2%), Inflamed Tonsils (7.8%) and Ear Discharge (7%) among them.7 It is in agreement with the present study in term of health problems though the prevalence of majority of the diseases is higher in the former study. The reason for this could be that the area is adopted by NINE, and students frequently visit the house, which may have bearing on their health status.In the present study the prevalence of lower BMI is in 45.1% female and 61.4% male subjects with an average of 53.3%. A study conducted in Mumbai among school students (69 males and 69 females) revealed that underweight was prevalent in 53% subjects which supports the present study, whereas the prevalence of underweight among the girls is 16% which is very less as compared to the present study.8In the present study the prevalence of pre-obesity is 4.4% among females and 2.9% among males thus females are more overweight as compared to males. The findings of the present study are in accordance with a cross sectional study done in school- going children of the affluent families of Punjab among 1000 children (490 boys and 510 girls). It is reported that 12.24% boys and 14.31% girls were pre-obese, and 5.92% boys and 6.27% were obese. The prevalence of overweight is higher in this study as compared to the present study. 9In the present study the mean BMI for male subjects is 18.30 and for female subjects is 19.5 which is in agreement with a research study among medical students in the age group of 17 to 21 years where the mean BMI of females is greater.10 In the present study the prevalence of anemia in 13-14 year old females is 11.8% and 16.7% in males while in the age group of 15 years or above the prevalence of anemia in female subjects is 86.1% and 48% in males. The findings of the present study are similar for males with the study conducted in Faridabad district in which the prevalence of anemia was 27.8% in young boys in the age group of 12-14 years as compared to 41.3% in older boys in the age group of 15-18 years. But the findings of this study is in contrast to the present study for females subject i.e. anaemia was present in 51% of young girls as compared to 38.5% in older girls.11 In this study anaemia was more prevalent in younger girls and older boys whereas in the present study prevalence of anaemia is more among older girls and boys.In the present study the prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls is nearly 70.3%. The prevalence rate of this study is in agreement while study conducted among 941 adolescent girls in the age group of 10-18 years in Rajasthan and reported that about 73.7% of subjects suffered from anemia.12In a study among young girls in the age of 12-19 years in Vadodra district, the prevalence of anemia was 74.7% which in comparison with the present study where prevalence of anemia in young girls is about 70.3%.8 In Madras city, 10513 school students in the age group of 3-20 years screened by testing urine for glycosuria. No case of diabetes was encountered in this survey. This study is in agreement with the present study.13 In a study conducted among medical students in the age group of 17 to 21 years the mean systolic blood pressure was 116 mmHg for boys and 107 mmHg for girls, these findings are in agreement with the present study as the mean systolic blood pressure for females is 107.09 mmHg and 113.26 mmHg for males.10 In a study done among 348 children in the age group of 5-15 years 14.7% males had more mental health problems as compared to their female counterparts though females depicts more hysterical behavior. The findings of this study is in contrast with the present study where more females display neurotic behavior as compared to males.14 In a study done at Wardha, it was revealed that hysteria is more prevalent among male adolescents as compared to female adolescents which is in disagreement with the present study where only 6.7% female subjects had hysteria and no male subject had hysteria.15 Considering the prevalence of several health problems it is concluded that females are affected more as compared to their male counterparts. Based on present study findings it is recommended that similar study can be replicated on larger sample to generalize the study findings. A longitudinal study can be done so that seasonal variations may not affect the findings.
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- Singh J, Singh JV, Srivastava AK, Kant Health status of adolescent girls in slum of Lucknow. Indian Journal of Community Medicine 2006; 31(2): 102-103.
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