Awareness of Ideal Body Weight among Adolescents During COVID-19 lockdown with a View to Develop an Information Pamhplet

Abstract

Staying at home during COVID-19 lockdown, there is every chance that adolescents will go on a binge
and eventually come out gaining weight.A descriptive survey research design was adopted among
30 adolescents selected by purposive sampling technique in Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The
primary objective was to assess the level of knowledge among adolescents regarding awareness of
ideal body weight during lockdown. A self-structured online questionnaire packet was administered
to collect demographic information, dietary pattern & lifestyle and knowledge questionnaire on ideal
body weight and its management & complications. Findings revealed that 53% were male and 40%
belong to 17-18 years. 33% adolescents were studying Std-XI and 47% belonged to nuclear family,
36.6% had middle class family income. Majority 70% of adolescents were non-vegetarianand 60%were
ordering food online.93% of them consumed fast food, sweets, baked food items. 63% of adolescents
had adequate knowledge on ideal body weight. Majority 43% of them slept for 8-10 hours/day during
lockdown. In the area wise distribution the item “Dietary management of ideal body weight” reveals
highest mean score 7.3. There was association between knowledge score of adolescents with type
of family and family monthly income.The results show that the nutrition education intervention is
required to create awareness and develop concern about their body image and complications arising due
to fast food consumption by ordering online.