2018, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part D

Aim: The purpose of the present study is to compare the peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO₂) between normal weight and underweight preadolescent boys.

Method: For the purpose of the study 52 preadolescent boys were selected as subject from Kumarpur Parashmoni Sikshabitan, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal). The age of the subject ranges from 11 to 13 years. To divide the subjects into underweight and normal weight category BMI was calculated for 70 students and from there 26 underweight and 26 normal weight boys were selected. Therefore actual number of subjects for the present study were fifty two (N=52). For the computation of BMI height and weight were measured by Stadiometer and digital weighing machine. CDC (Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention) growth chart is used to determine the underweight and normal weight students. The value of SPO₂ was recorded by Fingertip Pulse Oximeter (Dr. Trust : Nureca Inc USA : Model No: SS01, USFDA and CE approved).

Result: t-test was applied to investigate the existence of significant difference of means in peripheral capillary oxygen saturation between underweight and normal weight preadolescent boys. The result of the study showed that there was a significant difference in peripheral capillary oxygen saturation between underweight and normal weight preadolescent boys.

Discussion: Significant difference was found in SPO₂ level between two groups at 0.05 level of confidence. Normal weight students showed better value as compared to underweight students.

Conclusion: This study revealed that underweight preadolescent boys have less peripheral capillary oxygen saturation as compared to normal weight preadolescent boys due to the deficiency of haemoglobin in RBC, occur from malnutrition and stressed the need for more research in this area.