ASSESSMENT AND COMPARISON OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN OF GUJRANWALA DISTRICT PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background:

Adequate nutrition during childhood and adolescence is essential for optimal physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term health. Poor dietary practices during teenage years, whether due to insufficient or excessive intake, can lead to malnutrition and increase the risk of chronic diseases later in life. In developing countries like Pakistan, school-going children face a dual burden of undernutrition and obesity, influenced by socioeconomic disparities and lifestyle factors.

Objective: To assess and compare the nutritional status of government and private secondary school children in Gujranwala City, Punjab, Pakistan.

Methods: A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school students aged 11–19 years. One government and one private school were selected using random sampling techniques. A total of 2400 students were included, comprising 1200 students from private schools and 1200 from government schools. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Information regarding parental education, occupation, and income was also obtained. Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentiles based on CDC growth charts. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Government school children demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of undernutrition, with 21.25% classified as underweight, compared to 10.83% in private schools. Conversely, overweight (17.33%) and obesity (18.08%) were more prevalent among private school students than government school students (7.83% and 8.33%, respectively). The association between type of school and nutritional status was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The study reveals a dual burden of malnutrition among secondary school children in Gujranwala, characterized by undernutrition in government schools and rising overweight and obesity in private schools. Targeted school-based nutritional and physical activity interventions are urgently needed to address these contrasting public health challenges.