Purnima, K. (1996). A study on the Health, Personal Hygiene and Nutritional Status of Rural Teenage Girls in Dharwar Taluk. Unpublished. Ph.D., Health Education. University of Bangalore.

The objectives of the study were: (1) To record the Anthropometric measurements of the teenage Rural Girls and compare them with the standard measurements according to their age. (2) To see whether they suffer from any Nutritional deficiency. (3) To estimate the Hemoglobin content in the blood. (4) To conduct a dietary survey. (5) To study the digestive aliments and diseases suffered and the steps taken to treat then. (6) To find out the extent of knowledge the girls have regarding personal hygiene and their awareness of the activities regarding personal hygiene to be practiced regularly. (7) To find out the personal hygiene practiced by the girls during the menstrual cycle and physiological problems, if any, faced during the menstrual period. (8) To study the relation between education of the girl child and awareness and knowledge about good health, diet and personal hygiene. (10) To study the relation between the educational level of mother and the number of children they have.

3000 rural teenage girls were selected. They were subdivided into two groups of 150 each, based on the age limits of 13-15 years and 16-18 years respectively.

Tools used included Questionnaires, Interview Schedule and Observation Schedule.

The Stratified Random Sampling Method was used to select the respondents for the Survey.

Mean, Standard Deviation, Percentage of difference, Chi-square Test and Measurement and Karl Pearson s Product Moment Correlation coefficient were used for analyzing the data. 

The major findings of the study were: (1) A considerable difference in the Anthropometrics measurements was found between the standard measurements and the present study. (2) The anthropometric measurements showed an increase with age, which was in accordance with psychological change taking place in adolescence. (3) All the girls took the advice of the doctor for getting their ailments treated, and importance of the role of the doctor in keeping good health was definitely changing towards a positive approach. (4) Most of the girls were found to be immunized against diseases. (5) Most of the respondents were aware that consuming a nutritious, balanced diet kept good health. (6) A clear relation was found between nutrient consumption and the heights and weights of the girls. (7) The overall averages of calories, proteins, iron and calcium, except fats were much below the recommended allowances. Thus, the food habits of the respondents were generally poor. (8) The respondents did not have a balanced diet, according to their age and standard requirements. (9) The most common clinical sign found in the respondent was anemia. (10) Many of the respondents, except for about 19 % suffered from Grades I, II, III malnutrition. This corresponded with the nutrients consumed in the diet.

Keyword(s): Personal Hygiene, Rural Teenage Girls, Nutritional Status