Impact of gender bias on health and nutrition of adolescent girls in Purnia district of Bihar

Abstract

Gender bias can be a cause as well as an effect of hunger and malnutrition. Not surprisingly, higher levels of gender bias are associated with higher levels of under nutrition, both acute and chronic under nutrition (FAO, 2011). Gender and nutrition are
not stand-alone issues; agriculture, nutrition, health and gender are inter linked and can be mutually reinforcing (UNDP, 2011). Women were most vulnerable during menses, pregnancy and the post-partum period. As per NFHS-5 (2020-2021) 69 % women were
anaemic. The aim of study is to assess the impact of gender bias on health and nutritional status of the adolescent girls in Purnia district of Bihar. Cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one year on 600 girls of age 13-17 years were examined during that period. Data was collected by interviewing the girls using predesigned, pre tested, semistructured schedule. Anthropometric measurements were recorded using standardized methodology as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the formula Weight in kg/height in m². The subjects were categorized into various grade based on BMI according to WHO International Standard. The mean Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) was 20.09 ±1.34 (p<.0001), Body
Mass Index (BMI) 18.35±1.38 (p<0.0001) and their mean hemoglobin level was very low. There is a high prevalence of under nutrition and clinical anaemia among adolescent girls .Pre-maternal nutrition is critically important for two main reasons: a substantial proportion of pregnancies are unplanned and many birth defects, abnormalities occur during the first weeks of gestation. Usually little bit attention given on nutrition activities addressing women are only initiated during pregnancy. Improvement in the nutrition status of girls and adolescents will help to ensure that women’s status throughout the life cycle and decrease in level of anaemia and malnutrition.