Volume 13 | Issue 4
Volume 13 | Issue 4
Volume 13 | Issue 4
Volume 13 | Issue 4
Volume 13 | Issue 4
This study investigates the health, food, and nutrition status of juveniles in Barak Valley, Assam, situated in Northeast India. The region's unique cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic characteristics contribute to distinctive dietary habits and health outcomes among its population, particularly juveniles. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for devising targeted interventions to improve health and nutrition outcomes in this vulnerable demographic. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was collected through surveys, anthropometric measurements, dietary assessments, and qualitative interviews conducted among juveniles aged 10-19 years and their caregivers. The study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted factors influencing juvenile health and nutrition in Barak Valley. Preliminary findings indicate a complex interplay of sociocultural factors, economic constraints, and dietary patterns shaping juvenile health outcomes. Traditional diets rich in local produce coexist with a growing influence of processed foods, impacting nutritional adequacy and health status. Limited access to healthcare facilities and awareness about proper nutrition exacerbate the challenges faced by juveniles in maintaining optimal health. Anthropometric assessments reveal prevalent issues of malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, and underweight, underscoring the urgency for targeted nutritional interventions. Furthermore, qualitative data shed light on perceptions, beliefs, and practices surrounding food, health, and dietary choices within the community, providing valuable context for designing culturally appropriate interventions.