Assessment of Nutritional Status and Related Nutrition Habits, and Knowledge among Female Adolescent Girls: A Questionnaire Based Study in Mansoura City Schools, Egypt

Motawei, Alzahraa M.; Shalaby, M. T.; Elgammal, Rania E.; Alsedik, Asmaa S.

doi:10.21608/jfds.2021.212206

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Related Nutrition Habits, and Knowledge among Female Adolescent Girls: A Questionnaire Based Study in Mansoura City Schools, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University.

10.21608/jfds.2021.212206

Abstract

Proper Nutrition in adolescence is a main factor to healthy and strong adult generation. The transitional biological changes in the period from childhood to adulthood is of specific importance to ensure a healthy development of body leading to healthy adults. The study aims to assess the nutritional status of secondary school students in Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, A randomized stratified survey design was used for 545 students, aged 15-18 years old. The study was carried out in five governmental schools that were randomly chosen. The girl's students filled out self-administered questionnaire about nutritional knowledge, Diet pattern, eating habits and nutrition assessment. Anthropometric assessment was carried out( height-for age, weight-for age, BMI-for age). The study findings revealed that most of the girls (65%) were in normal weight , nearly a third of them were overweight and obese 20℅and 9℅ respectively. less than half of the girls had correct knowledge about general nutrition. Eating habits showed (64%) ate three meals a day. (58.3%) consumed breakfast daily. (77%) had a habit of consuming snacks. Data collected were statistically analyzed. Although most girls are of normal weight, the results obtained indicate weight gain, unhealthy eating habits, and also average nutritional knowledge, which reflect a lack of knowledge that will negatively affect their overall status as maternity health mothers in the future. Attention should be paid to nutrition at this stage and to reduce the spread of weight gain, and we recommend a nutritional plan designed for this age group in Egyptian schools.

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