Nutrition & Dietetics Services for Assessing Adolescents Anthropometric status in Saudi Arabia

Aljaaly; Elham; Khalifa; Nahlaa

Volume : IV, Issue : IV, April - 2015

Nutrition & Dietetics Services for Assessing Adolescents Anthropometric status in Saudi Arabia

Aljaaly, Elham, Khalifa, Nahlaa

Abstract :

Understanding and addressing the components and services of nutritional status of adolescents, particularly anthropometry in clinical settings, are important constituents of clinical care. Thisstudy aimed to evaluate dietetic

services concerning anthropometry in adolescent group. A service evaluation questionnaire based survey conducted in ten general hospitals

in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. Results showed that seven hospitals have separate independent dietetic departments. Three hospitals have

divisions of adolescent medicine and 70% of dietetic departments; provide services to adolescents such as growth and development, weight

problems and for diabetic patients. Tools of anthropometry are measured height/weight, circumferences and Body Composition Analysers.

Reference data for comparison are internationalreference standardsand not Saudi Reference Data.The study evaluates Jeddah anthropometry services; identify methods� enablers and barriers, particularly for adolescents. We predict that this study will provide bases for the services

of anthropometric assessment that could improve services provided for adolescents.