title: Stress and Nutritional Status of Individuals in Uttarakhand, North-ern India: Differential Effect of Gender.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, L.S.M. Government Post Graduate College, Pithoragarh-262502, Uttarakhand, India.
authors.forename: Vallari T
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Kukreti
authors.affiliation: Department of Home Science, L.S.M. Government Post Graduate College, Pithoragarh-262502, Uttarakhand, India.
authors.forename: Anju T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Bisht
keywords: Gender difference; India; Nutritional status; Stress