Relationship between Intake of Energy-Dense Diets and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Primary Schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya
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Date
2024-06
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Energy-dense diets are of low nutrient quality but high energy content and this may
have adverse health outcomes. There is limited information regarding the relationship
between the intake of energy-dense foods and adolescents' nutritional status. The study
aimed to establish how the intake of energy-dense diets relates to the nutritional status
of adolescents in Nairobi County. The study was a mixed-method research design
combining qualitative and quantitative techniques of data collection. Cluster sampling
was utilized to select schools in Embakasi South Sub-County. Simple random
sampling was utilized to select adolescents in classes 5, 6 and 7; and 161 adolescents
(87 females and 74 males) aged 10-14 years participated in the study. Structured
questionnaires, 24-hour recall, and food frequency questionnaires were used to collect
quantitative data. Anthropometric measurements were taken using calibrated
standometers, weighing balance and MUAC tape to determine the nutritional status of
the adolescents. The key informant interviews were conducted with 7 headteachers/
class teachers to collect qualitative data. Analysis of quantitative data was done using
SPSS software version 23.0. Dietary and anthropometric data were analyzed using
Nutrisurvey and ENA for SMART software. Pearson correlation was utilized to
determine the relationship between the nutritional status and intake of energy-dense
foods. The school heads consented on behalf of the parents of the adolescent. The
study established a burden of malnutrition among adolescents in Nairobi County
(13%) who are underweight, (5.7%) overweight, (4.3%) severely underweight, and
(2.5%) obese. The average energy taken was 1610.4±686.4 kcal. The energy-dense
foods which had a significant relationship with the nutritional status of the adolescents
were: potato chips (r=0.044, p=0.045), doughnuts (r= -0.02, p = <0.001), pancakes (r=
-0.001, p= 0.762), cheese (r= -0.107, p-value= 0.660), and Regular soft drink (r= - 0.147, p= 0.101). Qualitative findings indicated that doughnuts were frequently
brought to school as snacks. In conclusion, a quarter of the adolescents interviewed
were malnourished. The adolescents' nutritional status was influenced by the intake of
some energy-dense diets and sociodemographic characteristics. There is a need to have
nutrition education forums in schools and communities on the importance of nutrition
to adolescents for better health.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Public Health (Monitoring and Evaluation) in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University June, 2024
Supervisors:
1. Judith Waudo
2. Joachim Osur