International Journal of Advanced Research and Development

Authors
Asma Parveen N, Dr. Sheila John, Sarah Jane Monica

Abstract
Adolescence is a time of dramatic change in life of every human being. Change in lifestyle and food habits during this time affects both nutrient intake and needs. Psychological and socials aspects of life are emphasized in particular when it comes to health related quality of life among adolescents thereby overlooking and neglecting the physical and health status. The present study was carried to study health related quality of life using the SF-36 and food benefit assessment questionnaire to evaluate the perceived positive and negative outcomes associated with diet and food intake that might be suitable in prescribing specific dietary modification to the target group. In addition, physical activity pattern and stress was also studied. A cross sectional study design was adopted for the study. Two hundred college going adolescent girls aged 18-22 years were selected using purposive sampling technique and were categorised into two groups namely normal weight and overweight group using BMI cut offs. Results indicated that difference in mean mental health scores between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also significant difference was noted in mean scores for vitality and digestive comfort domains by both the groups (p<0.05). With regard to physical activity pattern, majority of the subjects did not involve in any form of physical activity. Nearly 70 percent of the subjects in both the groups had moderate level of stress and a significant association was observed between stress and BMI of the subjects (p<0.01). Therefore, it is necessary for adolescents to adopt a healthy diet pattern and to perceive its positive effects along with inclusion of some form of physical activity in their daily life.