Assessment of Nutritional status, Visual acuity and Psychological wellbeing among school students in South India

Background: School-age is a dynamic phase of active growth and mental development of childhood. School aged children were among the most at-risk groups for under nutrition, over weight and obesity. Good overall adjustment and a sense of psychological well-being are very crucial factors for the adolescent’s positive contribution to the society. Aim & Objective: To assess the nutritional status, visual acuity and psychological wellbeing among school students. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among school students at selected schools in Chennai. A total of 1135 students studying IX standard to XII standard were included in the study. Researcher obtained formal permission from the Management and Principal of Schools. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents. Researcher collected demographic data, nutritional status assessed by BMI, visual acuity by Snellen chart and psychological well-being Scale by Ryff’s followed by health education on balanced diet and mental hygiene given to them. Results: In regard to nutritional status, 486(42.8%) of school students were healthy (BMI -18.5 to 24.9Kg/m2) and 245(21.6%) of them had underweight (BMI-<18.5Kg/m2). 485(42.7%) of students had normal vision and 650(57.3%) of them had impaired vision. 1040(91.6%) of students had moderate level of psychological wellbeing. There is a fair negative correlation between BMI and psychological wellbeing (r= -0.374, p<0.001). Conclusion: The study reports that nearly half of the school students had normal weight and normal visual acuity (6/6). Majority of them had moderate level of psychological wellbeing. Researcher recommends that periodical screening of nutritional, vision and psychological problems are essential to detect and correct the problems among school students