A Pilot Study- Assessment of Physical Health Indicators of Adolescent Girls (18-19 yrs) In Bharathidasan Government College for Women in Puducherry

Abstract Adolescent girls are important population because they are future generation makers. The good health of adolescent girl assures the good health of tomorrow citizens. However the young girl’s faces unique physical health challenges due to improper diet, poor health education, lack of self awareness, fall on social media fantasies and body image concerns. So this study aimed to assess the physical health status of adolescent girls (18-19yrs) in Bharathidasan Government College for Women, Puducherry. A cross – sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 200 adolescent girls. The physical health status was assessed by using questionnaire, Anthropometric measurements and Haemoglobin test. Based on the responses of the samples the study revealed the half of the adolescent girls are malnourished, anaemic and having poor sleeping habits. According to the study 26.5 percents girls were underweight and 9 percent were overweight. About 28 percent girls are having irregular periods and 16 percent are suffering in menorrhagia ( heavy menstrual bleeding). Only 4 percent girls were non anaemic and other falls on anaemic in other classification. 38 percent girls are sleeps less than 6 hours at night. The study conclude that health status of young girls is a pressing concern that need prompt attention to improve their healthy lifestyle by good nutrition and physical activity, providing health education and supporting healthy habits