Dietary Habits among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Urban Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Globally, unhealthy dietary habits among adolescents are constantly on the rise, posing a high risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases including cancer. Our study aimed to assess the dietary habits and their coexistence among the adolescents of Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 students aged 13-17 years studying in different schools of three largest cities of Pakistan. Patterns of dietary intake were assessed by a structured, self-administered and pre-tested questionnaire among adolescents. All the data was managed by medical students who were trained prior for this task. Results: Among all 78.5% and 83.3% adolescents were found to consume fruits and vegetables less than four times a week respectively. Majority (58.2%) of adolescents were eating out at a restaurant/party more than once in a month, more boys than girls (p < 0.01; OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.46 - 3.23). Similarly higher proportion of boys (75.3%) were consuming soft drinks more than 4 times a month as compared to girls (60.7%), (p < 0.01; OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.29 - 3.01). About half of the adolescents were missing breakfast frequently, more girls than boys (p < 0.01; OR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.33 - 2.91) while about three-fourth of the boys and girls (76.1%) were found to be missing lunch. The choice of food among adolescents during lunch break at school was found to be fast food (70.6%), soft drinks (33%), chocolates (30.6%) and fruits (2.9%). The existence of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 unhealthy dietary habits were present in 2.4%, 7.2%, 15.9%, 30.7%, 29.2% and 14.3% of the adolescents respectively, the habits including skipping fruits, skipping vegetables, visiting restaurants, consuming soft drinks, missing breakfast and missing day meals. Conclusion: Overall, a huge proportion of adolescents in this study have unhealthy dietary habits. Interventions are required at various levels to optimize appropriate dietary habits. Parents, teachers and concerned authorities at schools as well as media all have a role to play in promoting healthy dietary habits among the adolescents. More research is recommended to explore this important issue at a larger scale.