Stress and Nutritional Status of Individuals in Uttarakhand, North-ern India: Differential Effect of Gender.

BACKGROUND: Uttarakhand, Northern India is facing challenges in the issues concerning public health. Hence, researches identifying the stressors and nutri-tional factors influencing health are encouraged. This study attempts to assess the stress levels and nutritional status. Gender differences are also measured in the same.

METHODS: Stress and nutritional status related information was gathered (Nov, 2012-June, 2013) from 118 individuals residing in Uttarakhand state. Stress level was assessed using Personal Stress Score Inventory. Anthropo-metric details and dietary intake (3 day food recall method) were collected. Nutrient intake were calculated and compared with recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for Indi-ans. T-test and Chi-square (χ²) were performed to measure the gender difference in studied variables.

RESULTS: 66.6% of females and 85.4% of males reported moderate stress (31-79). Males were seen to be more stressed then females, though no sig-nificant differ-ence was seen. A significant difference in BMI (Body mass Index) was seen be-tween males (24.1 kg/m(2)) and females (21.5 kg/m(2)). The study sample was found to be deficient in iron and zinc when compared with RDA. Females suf-fering from various level of stress had significantly lower levels of energy, pro-tein, zinc than males.

CONCLUSION: Majority of subjects were suffering from moderate level of stress. The anthropometric status of subjects was good, though females showed signifi-cantly lower intake of nutrients compared to men. Poor intake of iron and zinc points towards a possibility of hidden hunger. Hence, psy-chological and nutri-tional counseling may be required.