Factors affecting nutrition behavior among middle-class adolescents in urban area of Northern region of Brazil

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Brazil has been called a nation in nutrition transitional because of recent increases in the prevalence of obesity and related chronic diseases. With overweight conditions already prevalent among middle-income populations, there exists a need to identify factors that influence nutrition behavior within this group. OBJECTIVE: To address this subject, a research study was implemented among middle-class adolescents attending a large private secondary school in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. The study determined the availability and accessibility of snack foods as well as subjects’ attitudes and preferences towards, and the influence of family and friends on healthy (high-nutrient density) snack choices. METHODS: The 4-stage process included: (a) a nutrition expert focus group discussion that reported local nutrition problems in general and factors related to adolescent nutrition, (b) an adolescent pilot survey (n=63) that solicited information about snacking preferences and habits as well as resources for nutrition information and snack money; (c) a survey of various area food market sources to determine the availability and accessibility of high nutrient density snacks; and (d) a follow-up adolescent survey (n=55) that measured snack food preferences and perceptions about their cost and availability. RESULTS: Results included the finding that, although affordable high nutrient density snacks were available, preferences for low nutrient density snacks prevailed. The adolescents were reportedly more likely to be influenced by and obtain nutrition information from family members than friends. CONCLUSION: From study results it is apparent that a focus on food availability will not automatically result in proper nutritional practices among adolescents. This fact and the parental influence detected are evidence of a need to involve adolescents and their parents in nutrition education campaigns to improve adolescent snack food choices.

Nível de atividade física e hábitos alimentares de universitários do 3º ao 5º semestres da área da saúde

“…No Brasil, a desnutrição foi, por muito tempo, um fator de risco primário à saúde, porém, nas últimas décadas, tem--se observado uma transição do déficit para o consumo excessivo de alimentos 2 . No caso específico da obesidade, os fatores associados a esta ocorrência são dietas de alta densidade energética e a redução do gasto energético decorrente de um estilo de vida sedentário.…”

Nutrition education in public elementary schools of São Paulo, Brazil: the Reducing Risks of Illness and Death in Adulthood project

“…Several countries have carried out studies on the implementation of NE programs in schools aimed at augmenting the knowledge regarding nutrition among the children and their parents, thus improving their eating behavior, and hence, their health 1,[4][5][6][7][8] . In 2000, an initiative was undertaken to develop and test the efficacy of a multidisciplinary program in Elementary Schools in São Paulo (Brazil) in order to reduce obesity risk factors by promoting healthy lifestyle habits.…”

Teenage Diet: Context and Companions Determine Eating Habits

“…Desde el punto de vista nutricional no solamente tienen la oportunidad de ingerir alimentos para satisfacer una necesidad, sino que también desde una dimensión social comparten, adquieren e imitan hábitos de alimentación de sus profesores y de sus pares. Estudios realizados con adolescentes de áreas urbanas de Brasil muestran cómo en el colegio en mayor medida los amigos, y en menor medida los profesores, tienen gran influencia en el consumo de productos empaquetados o snacks (meriendas) (60). Por tanto, el ambiente escolar puede reforzar en forma positiva o negativa las elecciones que haga el adolescente de los alimentos que ingiere y la forma en que lo hace (2,36).…”