Dietary Patterns of Adolescent Girls in Urban Hyderabad, India - A Cross-Sectional Study

Meena Kumari
2018 International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology  
The period of transition from childhood to adulthood is called adolescence. They attain adult stature between 18-20 yrs. Diet plays an important role in growth and development of adolescents. With the profound growth there is an increased demand for energy, proteins, minerals and vitamins. Apart from the needed requirements this age group is more vulnerable to either over nutrition or under nutrition due to their faulty eating pattern. Nutritional problems commonly observed in this age group
more » ... obesity, anorexia, anaemia, binge eating and premenstrual syndrome. The present study assessed the dietary pattern, food preference, food habits, lifestyle and physical activity of urban adolescent girls in between age group of 18-21yrs. A questionnaire survey was carried out using a close ended question. The study sample consisted of 360 under graduate students. The investigation carried out showed that 52% of adolescents had their breakfast on regular basis out of which 67% included carbohydrate rich foods in their breakfast, about 69% of adolescents had their snacks in the evening time, 47% adolescent were seen to eat out on regular basis, 27% were seen to prefer homemade food, 39% were seen to eat deep fried foods and 46% of adolescents were reported of never doing any kind of physical activity. These adolescents were seen to be suffering from various macro mineral deficiencies as 36% reported of iron deficiency and 17% reported of vitamin deficiencies and when looked into their weight management 54% of adolescent have shown not maintaining their ideal body weight. Objective: Amid concerns about the quality of young people's diets, this survey was conducted to assess the eating habits and dietary pattern for identifying risky behaviour as well as for ensuring their full growth and development potential. Methods: The sample population of 360 was chosen from the students in the college. All the participants were in the age group of 18-21years and questionnaires were distributed and data was collected during 2015-16. A questionnaire was prepared, pretested and administered to the students who were randomly chosen. Results: The eating habits were found to be unsatisfactory .Meals consumed lacked fruits and vegetables on daily basis. Skipping of breakfast was seen in 50%of the adolescents. Consumption of refined nutrient lacking snacks was the major concern. Lack of exercise, only 14% reported of exercising daily and weight tracking was seen. Conclusion: The adolescents presented the above stated various negative habits that required to be changed through awareness and proper information of food guidelines. I.
doi:10.22214/ijraset.2018.3091 fatcat:qfjbagoc6jew3egvj2bfp2adqu