Assessment of knowledge of Health Consequences of obesity among Overweight Adolescent Girls of selected Schools of Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Abstract

Introduction: This research investigates the knowledge of health consequences associated with obesity among overweight adolescent girls in selected schools of Dadra & Nagar Haveli. The global increase in obesity among adolescents, affecting approximately 14.7 million individuals, underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. This study aims to address this gap by identifying knowledge deficits and contributing valuable insights to inform public health strategies and tailored educational programs. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted, involving 133 participants strategically selected through stratified random sampling. The research utilized a structured questionnaire comprising two sections: demographic details and knowledge levels categorized as Poor, Average, and Good. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and mean and standard deviation calculations to explore associations between demographic variables and knowledge levels.

Results: The demographic distribution highlighted that a majority of participants (57.14%) were in the 16-18 age range, residing predominantly in rural areas (80.00%). The knowledge assessment revealed that 48.57% demonstrated good knowledge, while 41.43% exhibited poor knowledge. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, grade/class, and family income, emphasizing the need for targeted educational strategies for younger participants and those with lower family incomes. Conclusion: The study identifies a substantial knowledge gap regarding the health consequences of obesity among overweight adolescent girls. The prevalence of poor knowledge signals an immediate need for focused interventions to enhance health literacy and awareness in this vulnerable population.