Association of nutritional status with dietary and behavioural patterns among adolescents

Authors

  • Kandathil Eapen Elizabeth Department of Pediatrics, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5384-5638
  • David Ashok Ashwin Jothydev's Diabetes and Research Centre, Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
  • Kesavadev Jothydev Jothydev's Diabetes and Research Centre, Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20203655

Keywords:

Dietary habits, Behavioral pattern, Adolescent children, Obesity, Junk food

Abstract

Background: Changing trends in dietary habits, behavioral patterns, and prevalence of overweight/obesity among adolescents is of great concern.

Methods: 6469 school children from five districts of Kerala, India were enrolled. Dietary habits and behavioral patterns were collected using a pretested questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded and compared with regional Indian Academy Pediatrics (IAP) reference charts. Data was computed and analyzed.  

Results: Mean age: Boys 14.51±0.93, Girls 14.42±1.04 years. Male: Female ratio 0.92:1. Practices like missing breakfast, non-compliance to weekly Iron Folic Acid supplementation and not taking exercise >2 hours/week were more in girls. Increased consumption of junk food, screen time >2 hours/week and not sharing life events with parents were more in boys. Mean anthropometric parameters were <50th percentile of reference charts. 6.1% had low BMI (boys, 4.2% vs. girls,7.6%,), 12.3% were overweight (boys, 14.9% vs. girls,10.2%) and 4.4% had obesity (boys, 4.7% vs. girls, 4.2%). Mean anthropometric parameters were higher in more urbanized districts.  Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with obesity and exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI.

Conclusions: Dietary and behavioral patterns and prevalence of overweight/obesity showed variability with respect to gender and region of residence. 12% were overweight and 4% had obesity. Daily consumption of junk food showed significant association with overweight/obesity and daily exercise >2 hours/week with normal BMI. Health education addressing behavioral change is recommended for better health. 

Author Biographies

Kandathil Eapen Elizabeth, Department of Pediatrics, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Sciences, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, India

Professor & HOD, Dept. of Pediatrics

David Ashok Ashwin, Jothydev's Diabetes and Research Centre, Mudavanmugal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Centre Head, Diabetology

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Published

2020-08-25

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Original Research Articles