Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status Profile of Junior High School Students : A Cross Sectional Study in Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Healthy diet is essential for healthy development as well as growth. The focus of nutritional evaluation in children is to recognize and avoid nutritional conditions such as malnutrition and obesity, in addition to the associated rise in mortality and morbidity. This study aims to describe dietary intake and nutrition status in junior high school students. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from Mei – August 2024 and involved children aged 12-15 years old at private high school. General information and dietary intake collected by questionnaire. The anthropometric measurement obtained through direct physical examination. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22 software. Result: A total 82 participant were included in this study. A normal BMI was observed in 83% of participants, while 12% were classified as overweight. The dietary profile showed 32 (39%), consistently consumed breakfast. Six participants (14%) who consumed breakfast <3 times/weeks were classified as overweight. Approximately 47 people (57%) sometimes took fast food. Five participants (17%) who had fast food >1 times/weeks were overweight. About 19% and 16% of participants consistently consumed vegetables and fruit, respectively. About 46% of participants never consumed health supplements. Conclusion: The intake of fast food has risen, while the consumption of fruits, vegetables, health supplements and breakfast has declined. Individuals who consumed breakfast generally exhibit a normal BMI. However, individuals who consumed a significant amount of fast food while having a low intake of vegetables and fruits are more likely to be overweight.