Abstract:
A descriptive cross sectional study among 356 girls and 283 boys attending grade eleven
Type IAB, and Type 1 C state schools in the Kalutara Medical Officer of Health area was
carried out. Nutritional status was assessed in three stages. 1. Body mass index 2. The cut
off values recommended by the World Health Organization 3. The prevalence of thinness
Statistically significant association was observed between the nutritional status and the sex
(girls heavier than the boys, p0.0001) and the monthly family income (p0.1), and the source
of influence on food preference did not show a statistically significant relationship with the
frequency of taking snacks (p0.l). The physical activity pattern showed that the children
taking part in organized sport in school was low. This study shows the high prevalence of
thinness and a considerable proportion of children at risk of obesity. It is recommended that
surveillance of nutritional status and targeted programmes for intervention and health
promotion for the adolescents are carried out in the district. The results and
recommendations of this study is also of value to the educational and health policy makers
and planners
