Abstract:
The eating habits, nutrient intakes and nutrition
knowledge of one hundred and forty adolescent students from
four secondary schools in the central region of Ghana were
investigated.
Instruments used for the dator collection included
questionnaires, food records, anthropometric measurements and
observations.
Data obtained were analysed using a computer and
descriptive analysis was used to present the data.
Jellife's anthropometric reference data, Kaufman's weight
classification and Body Mass Index (BMI) were used to classify
respondents as obese, overweight, normal or underweight.
The sample was made up of 52% females and 48% males .
Their mean age was sixteen years and most of their parents
were highly educated and gainfully employed. Eating habits
found to affect nutrient intakes of the respondents include
breakfast skipping and snacking. Drug-related habits like
alcohol intake was also found among a few. The majority of
respondents were taking nutrient supplements. Nutrition
knowledge was generally poor. Meals served in the dining halls of all the schools
studied did not meet the energy requirements of the
adolescents. Even when the respondents supplemented the
dining hall meals with extras from elsewhere, the calories
obtained were still below the FAO recommended nutrient intakes, especially for the 16 to 18 year old males. The
weights of the majority of this age group was below that of
Jellifes' reference group.
The growth performance of the majority of the students
was poor. Respondents were getting one-third of their daily
nutrient intakes from extra foods eaten outside the dining
hall. There were occurrences of underweight and overweight.
The findings of the study strongly urge school
authorities to ensure that meals provided for students are
well prepared and served injsufficient quantities. Fly proof
nets should also be used in the kitchens. There is also no
doubt that nutrition knowledge of adolescents should be
improved in order that they would make proper food choices.
Food vendors on the school campuses must be screened and
supervised so that food bought is wholesome. Education on
dangers of drug-related habits like alcohol consumption should
be intensified, to forestall the spread of the habit among the
adolescents. Parents would either have to agree to pay a
higher amount of fees for the improvement of meals in the
schools or continue to provide extra food and more pocket
money for their wards if they must be well nourished. Schools
should intensify their agricultural activities and make school
farms where some of the food commodities could be obtained.
