An Empirical Study and Data Analysis on the Nutritional Status of Children and Adolescents in Rural Areas of Hunan

Abstract

To understand nutritional status, knowledge, attitudeand behavior of children and adolescents in rural regions for future prevention and control of nutrition-related diseases. A systematic sampling method was used to conduct a physical examination and a questionnaire survey on nutritional knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among children and adolescents aged 12-18 years in a rural town. 240 questionnaires were distributed, and 237 valid questionnaires were collected. Theemaciationrate of the respondentswas 16.1%. The normal rate of BMI of boys was significantly different from that of girls (χ2 = 6.861, P = 0.009). The average KAP score for children's nutrition was 63.63±6.49 with pass rate of 71.70% and excellent rate of 0.4%. The KAP scores (F=7.676, P=0.006), attitude scores (F=5.801, P=0.017), and behavioral scores (F=8.798, P=0.003) were higher in girls than in boys. Nutritional knowledge scores among day-students were lower than those detected in boarding-students (F=3.947,P=0.009).Logistic regression analysisshowed that female children and adolescents in this area were more likely to maintain normal body shape than male children and adolescents,and the OR(95%CI) was 2.356 (1.172-4.738). Nutritional attitude had a positive effect on maintaining normal body shape,and the OR(95%CI) was 1.130 (1.001-1.276). The prevalence of under-nutrition were still high among children and adolescents in this rural area, and their nutritional awareness were low. Findings from this study indicate the urgent need for strengthening nutrition intervention for children and adolescents in rural regions.