ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescents aged 12- 2() years from two secondary schools in Umuahia. One hundred and twenty subjects were randomly selected fbr the study. Structured and validated questionnaire was used in data collection. Data collection included soclo-ecoilomic characteristics of the adolescents. Antliiopometi'ic measurements of t lie subjects were obtained, measurements which included weight and height were obtained with Hanson's scale and a height meter respectively. Calculations of the Ann muscle circumferences was also gotten from the triceps skinfold thickness and the upper arm circumference. A biochemical analysis to find out the vitamin A level and lion in blood was carried out. The results obtaiaed revealed that there was no significant difference between their mean ages for residents of the first school which was Williams Memorial Secondary School are: (+16.50) and the second school which was Science Secondary School Ariam (+16.66) subjects. Weight of the second school (+54.066) was greater than the first school (±53.38). There was no significant difference in their height, tricep-skinfold thickness and upper arm circumference. Results of the analysis showed that there was a significant difference of 0.023 in their levels of ltb in blood. The analysis of Iron revealed a significant difference of 0.036 while vitamin A had no significant difference but when compared to their normal ranges which is 30-65% mol/dl the residents of the first school (50.88) tend to be lower than their normal standards than that of the second school (51.03).