EVALUATION OF DIETARY PATTERN, ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND MICRONUTRIENT STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE
EVALUATION OF DIETARY PATTERN, ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS AND MICRONUTRIENT STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE
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Date
2016-02
Authors
DRENKAT, MICHAEL NANPEN
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Abstract
Changes in the nutrient intake combined with increasing sedentary life style and urbanization contribute to the emergence of chronic disease as a major health risk. This study assessed nutritional status, physical activity, dietary pattern and micronutrient status of adolescents attending Secondary School in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. A cross-sectional study was conducted using 588 adolescents attending Private and Public Secondary Schools of Jos South LGA between September and December 2014. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using semi-structured, pretested questionnaires. Measurements of weight and height were made using standardized weighing scales and standiometer respectively. Adolescent Body Mass Index-for-Age was compared with WHO (2007) growth reference. Dietary pattern and micronutrient status were accessed using standard methods. Results obtained showed mean Age, BMI and Waist/ Hip ratio were 16.09 years, 21.05±2.65 and 0.81±0.06 respectively. General prevalence of Overweight was high (11.22 %), particularly among the Private Secondary School girls (19.01%). Majority of the adolescents (57.99 %) had a fairly low Physical Activity Level and Private Secondary School boys showed the highest frequency (64.23%). Dietary pattern of the adolescents showed weekly intake of all types of food from “4 to 6 times” to “7 or more times” below 50 percent, except for bread, cereals, tubers and other carbohydrate based foods. Mean PCV, serum iron, zinc and copper for the Private Secondary School Adolescents were 38.71 percent, 96.15μg /dl, 86.31μg /dl and 84.44 μg /dl respectively. A percentage of 9.68 %, 16.13 % and 19.35 % adolescents recorded low values for serum iron, zinc and copper respectively when compared to reference ranges for iron, zinc and copper. The results obtained showed a prevalence of overweight and a fairly low physical activity particularly among the Girls. Consumption of cereals, tubers, pasta and other carbohydrate based foods was high while mean serum values for Iron, Zinc and Copper for the Private Secondary School adolescents were within the normal ranges. Results of this study emphasize the need for educational interventions which should include increased exercise and Physical Activity at early ages involving the whole family that will promote optimal nutritional status and wellbeing
Description
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY,
FACULTY OF SCIENCE,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY,
ZARIA, NIGERIA
Keywords
EVALUATION,, DIETARY PATTERN,, ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS,, MICRONUTRIENT STATUS,, ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS,, JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA,, PLATEAU STATE,