Naslov
Dietary and lifestyle habits of secondary school students in Subotica

Autori
Kosic Bibic, N ; Berenji, K ; Kovacevic, J

Izvornik
European Journal of Public Health (1101-1262) 30 (2020), Supplement_5; 602-602

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, ostalo

Ključne riječi
obesity ; physical activity ; body mass index ; diet ; adolescent

Sažetak
Dietary habits, alcohol use and physical activity initiated in childhood and adolescence are often maintained during later life. Study objective was to investigate high school students' behavior patterns and nutritional status. The cross-sectional study involved 301 students (16 years old) from two secondary schools in Subotica, North Backa Region. Study took place in October 2019. Students anonymously filled out a modified national questionnaire consisting of 27 questions and covering the areas: free time, physical activity, alcohol use, eating habits. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight) were done in schools. Statistical data processing was done in SPSS. Boys were more physically active than girls, both in regard to competitive sports (36.4% vs. 8.2%) and recreational sports or other physical activity for at least 4 hours per week (15.2% vs. 7.3%). This difference is statistically significant (χ2=40.534 ; DF = 3 ; p = 0.001). More than a half of the students (58%) admitted drinking alcohol occasionally in the last 12 months and every fifth student during weekends. Daily consumption of breakfast is present in 44% students, fresh fruits in 28.3% and vegetables in 25.9%. On the contrary, 31.6% of them eat sweets and 30.8% drink sweetened soft drinks daily. There is a statistically significant difference in type of used fats, with boys using more often “bad” fats (χ2=12.884 ; DF = 3 ; p = 0.005). Every third student (32.5%) is overweight or obese (>85th percentile). The high percentage of students with BMI > 85th percentile, poor nutrition habits, lack of physical activity, frequent alcohol use, indicated a need for stronger implementation of interventions aimed at adolescents and younger age groups. Following the study, a comprehensive intervention program was implemented in the period October-December 2019. The program included educational seminars, peer education, demonstrational cooking workshops, stands for parents, preparing an e-cookbook, sports and recreation fair.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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