Dietary Practices, Nutrient Adequacy, and Nutrition Status among Adolescents in Boarding High Schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
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Date
2020
Authors
Nicholaus, Calista
Haikael, D. Martin
Kassim, Neema
Matemu, Athanasia O.
Kimiywe, Judith
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary practices, nutrient adequacy, and nutrition status among 164 adolescents
aged between 16 and 19 years in boarding secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro region. In-depth interviews and a
survey guided by a semistructured and structured questionnaire, including 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire
techniques, were used to collect information. Nutrition status was assessed using anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin
levels. WHO AnthroPlus software and NutriSurvey software were used to analyze anthropometry and dietary data,
respectively. Diet in boarding schools was monotonous comprising mainly of cereal-legume meal with low intake of animal
sources, fruits, and vegetables. Mean intake of energy, vitamin C, iron, calcium, and zinc was 1392 kcal, 24.8 mg, 9.2 mg,
134.5 mg, and 4.3 mg, respectively, which were below the Recommended Daily Allowance. )e average carbohydrate, fat, and
protein intake of 471.9 g, 73.7 g, and 80.7 g, respectively, were slightly higher than the Recommended Daily Allowance in both
sexes. Male had a significantly higher intake of protein and carbohydrates (P < 0.001). Female had a significantly (P < 0.001)
high intake of fat compared to male adolescents. Overall, 23.1% of the adolescents were anaemic, 25% were overweight, and
6.1% were obese. Boarding secondary schools’ diet is monotonous and are inadequate in key micronutrients, iron, zinc,
calcium, and vitamin C. )ere is a coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition among adolescents in boarding schools.
)erefore, monitoring adolescents’ dietary intake and nutrition status is a key in preventing adolescents’ malnutrition in the
short term and diet-related diseases in the long term.
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Citation
Nicholaus, C., Martin, H. D., Kassim, N., Matemu, A. O., & Kimiywe, J. (2020). Dietary practices, nutrient adequacy, and nutrition status among adolescents in boarding high schools in the kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2020.