Assessment of Nutritional Status of the Adolescents (13–18 yrs) Studying in Secondary Schools in Elhafeir Area–Dangle Locality– Northern State 2018

Misaa Mahjoob Abdalrahman Abdalla; Dr. Somiya Gutbi Salim Mohammed; Dr. Siham Mohamed Osman Gritly

Volume : VIII, Issue : V, May - 2018

Assessment of Nutritional Status of the Adolescents (13–18 yrs) Studying in Secondary Schools in Elhafeir Area–Dangle Locality– Northern State 2018

Misaa Mahjoob Abdalrahman Abdalla, Dr. Somiya Gutbi Salim Mohammed, Dr. Siham Mohamed Osman Gritly

Abstract :

Cross–sectional descriptive study conducted among the secondary schools students in Elhafeir area, Dongle locality at Northern state. The objective of the study was to assess their nutritional status and related risk factorsof students‘ adolescents. Data was collected by using questionnaire that covered information onsocio demographic characteristics of students (age, gender) and family, dietary intake, anthropometric measures and physical activities. The number of the students was 210, (52%males, 47.6% females), students‘ age fell between the age group of 13–18 years old. Almost half of the students (55.2%) had normal weight, (30%) were underweight, (14.8%) were overweight/obesity, only (7.6%) suffered from stunting.Significant relationship was found between BMI for Age and Family size, family income andmother education, (p<0.05). Most of the students consumed three meal/day (88.1%) and only (1.4%) consumed more than three meal /day and (68.1%) consumed 1–2 snacks/day. The results of food habits revealed that, the students consumed ead daily(87.1%) , red meat consumed daily by (31.4%), milk was consumed daily by (37.1%), yoghurt and cheese were consumed two times/week by(41.4%,38.6% respectively).The majority of students consumed ead–beans daily (91.4%). A lentil was consumed two times /week, (51.9%). Cooked and fresh vegetables consumed daily by (40.5%, 41.9% respectively (.The result showed different levels of physical activities among the students,(51%)played foot balls, (19%), swimming,(2.6%) joggingand(1%) practiced walking The study concluded, significant relationship was observed between BMI for age with monthly income, family size and mothers education (p|<0.05),and recommended, Introducing nutrition curricula in the schools to increase the students awareness about healthy and nutritious foods.