Main Article Content
Nutritional and Health Status of Adolescents from Selected Secondary Schools in Katsina State, Nigeria
Abstract
Objective: To assess the nutritional and health status of adolescents from selected secondary schools in Katsina State, using a combination of anthropometric and biochemical measurements Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 286 adolescent males and 281 adolescent females (randomly selected) were analyzed for serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- CH) and triacylglycerol (TG). Body weight and height measurements were taken on each subject, to determine body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was administered on each subject to obtain information about food consumption pattern and socio-economic status of the family. Results obtained are presented as mean + standard deviation. Statistical analyses were carried out using the Instat statistical package.
Results: Adolescent males had significantly higher (P<0.05) mean BMI and mean serum LDL-CH values than adolescent females. When the subjects were classified on the basis of settlement area, it was found that amongst female subjects urban settlement was associated with significantly (P<0.05) higher mean BMI and mean serum TC, LDL-CH and TG values. The diet of the subjects was mostly carbohydrate – based with little of protein. Mean BMI values recorded for both sexes correspond to severe thinness on the BMI reference scale.
Conclusion: The nutritional and health status of the adolescents subjects in this study reflect a high percentage of underweight and a low risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Key words: Adolescents, body mass index, serum lipids, energy and macronutrient intake
Materials and Methods: Blood samples from 286 adolescent males and 281 adolescent females (randomly selected) were analyzed for serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL- CH) and triacylglycerol (TG). Body weight and height measurements were taken on each subject, to determine body mass index (BMI). A questionnaire was administered on each subject to obtain information about food consumption pattern and socio-economic status of the family. Results obtained are presented as mean + standard deviation. Statistical analyses were carried out using the Instat statistical package.
Results: Adolescent males had significantly higher (P<0.05) mean BMI and mean serum LDL-CH values than adolescent females. When the subjects were classified on the basis of settlement area, it was found that amongst female subjects urban settlement was associated with significantly (P<0.05) higher mean BMI and mean serum TC, LDL-CH and TG values. The diet of the subjects was mostly carbohydrate – based with little of protein. Mean BMI values recorded for both sexes correspond to severe thinness on the BMI reference scale.
Conclusion: The nutritional and health status of the adolescents subjects in this study reflect a high percentage of underweight and a low risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Key words: Adolescents, body mass index, serum lipids, energy and macronutrient intake
