A Contrastive Study on Mental Health and Nutritional Status of Private and Government School Students in Srinivaspura, Kolar District, Karnataka, India
Keywords:
Nutritional Status, Mental Health, Private Schools, Government Schools, Anaemia, Dietary Patterns, DASSAbstract
Teenage is a critical developmental stage marked by rapid changes in one's physical, psychological, and social makeup. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the mental health and nutritional status of teenagers in Srinivaspura, Kolar district attending government and private schools in the age range of 13–15yrs. 60 pupils (30 from each type of school, with an equal distribution of genders) were chosen using random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI, MUAC, and waist-hip ratio), biochemical markers (calcium and haemoglobin), and dietary intake patterns were all included in the nutritional evaluation. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS) were used to assess mental health. These findings indicated that students attending private schools had better anthropometric profiles, with higher median values for height, weight, BMI, and MUAC, showing better physical development. Additionally, when assed in private and government school students, their haemoglobin levels were significantly higher (boys: 12.8 vs. 11.4 g/dL; girls: 12.7 vs. 10.0 g/dL; p<0.05) respectively, suggesting a lower risk of anaemia in private schools. However, pupils attending government schools reported consuming fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, but infrequently, indicating a more varied diet. Research on mental health revealed that children attending government schools, especially girls, were more likely to experience moderate to severe forms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
According to dietary behaviour study, children attending government schools had more consistent eating patterns and a greater inclination towards home-cooked meals, whereas students attending private schools showed greater rates of emotional eating and meal skipping. These findings point to a dual burden of malnutrition in government schools, where undernutrition and anaemia are prevalent, whereas in private school settings, dietary abnormalities and psychosocial stress are becoming more prevalent.
The results highlight the necessity of focused treatments, such as comprehensive nutrition instruction, mental health support services, and iron supplements in public schools. Improving general wellness requires addressing the socioeconomic determinants of teenagers’ health through customised school-based initiatives.
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