Analysis of the Feeding Habits and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Private Non-boarding Secondary Schools in Bamenda II Municipality, Cameroon

Abstract

The study has assessed the feeding habits and nutritional status of adolescents in Bamenda II Municipality. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select four private non boarding secondary schools in Bamenda II Municipality. Systematic sampling was used to select the respondents from form one to lower-sixth and consent forms were signed. Structured questionnaires were administered to 200 adolescents (11-19years). Dietary assessments were also carried out using food frequency questionnaires and 24hr dietary recall. The weight and height of students were taken to determine their body mass indices. The weights and heights of both sexes were taken and the readings were analyzed using standard deviation scores where > median-2SD to + < 1SD= Normal, Median< - 2SD to > - 3SD = moderate of under nutrition, < Median – 3SD = severe under nutrition, + 1SD to < + 3SD= overweight, and greater than + 3SD = obesity. Using BMI- for age boys/girls (Z- score) for assessing nutritional status of adolescents in this study, majority of them were within the normal range. Few were underweight, overweight and obese. For age group 11-14 years, 83.3 % were normal, 16.7% were obese, and 0% for underweight and overweight. For age group 15-17 years, 22.7 % were normal ,25.9 % were obese, 23.5% were under weight and   28.2% were overweight A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between males and females(15-17 years). For age group 18 and 19 years, 40% were normal ,0 % were obese,14.1 % were under weight and 32.9 % were overweight. A significant difference (X2 =8.0, d,f=3, p=0.040) was observed between males and females(18 and 19 years) .With respect to waist circumference, a percentage of the respondents fell within the normal range. for males and females. The respondents generally ate twice a day. Forty –one (41%) of the respondents said they consume tubers twice a week, 31.5% consume cereals and their products more than four times a week, 12.5% consume pulses, legumes and products twice a week, 32.5% consume animal products once a week, 36.5% consume eggs and dairy products twice a week and 25% consume fruits and vegetables twice a week . The 24hr dietary recall revealed that the diets were monotonous. Peer group influence affects their food choices, feeding habits and nutritional status.