A STUDY OF HEALTH STATUS OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN RURAL AREA OF GURUGRAM DISTRICT, HARYANA

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period and transitional stage of physical and psychological development. Especially for girls, late adolescence is a challenging period to move from adolescence and stepping in womanhood. 

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 156 adolescent girls coming to the weekly health camps organized by the institute, aged 17 to 19 years living at Garhi Harsaru in Gurugram, during the period from June 2023 to September 2023. 

Results: Mean age for adolescent girls was 18.23±0.52 years. Majority of the girls were unmarried (99.4%) and belonged to nuclear family (61.5%) and had monthly family income upto 5 lakh (57.7%). Prevalence of undernutrition and overweight were 15.4% and 20.5% respectively. The majority of the girls were satisfied with their looks (87.8%) and complexion (91.7%) and 28.2% of girls were concerned for their height and weight. Regarding social dimensions, most of the girls (69.9%) were scolded at home and 30.8% were beaten at home. Other social problems encountered ranged from feeling humiliated (19.9%), hurt physically (7.7%) and forced for sex (5.8%). More than half (55.8%) of the girls have expressed their desire to report the violence incidence.

Conclusion: The social dimension of adolescent girls needs urgent action. Physical dimension of health also needs to be addressed. Overall empowerment of adolescent girls is needed in the society.