Health and Disease among Adolescent Urban School Girls in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is an important phase of life and adolescent girls have specific health related problems. The aim of the study was to address the health-related issues of urban school going adolescent girls from a lower-middle income country.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 1315 school high-school girls. Demographic and socioeconomic parameters were recorded and health related behaviours and problems analysed.

Results: Age ranged from 10 to 17 years. Immunization and deworming rates were 98.17% and 57.41%, respectively and deworming significantly reduced in higher classes (p=0.00). Major physical complaints were eye problems (583, 44.33%), allergy to various substances (500, 38.02%), headache (435, 33.08%) and menstrual problems (334, 25.40%). Obesity and overweight were significantly more in higher classes and underweight in lower classes (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Diverse and serious health related undiagnosed problems prevail among girls’ high school. Malnutrition, ocular problems, menstrual problems and headaches are major areas of concerns.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.21 (1); January 2022; Page 19-25