Dietary habits of High School Population in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Background Adolescence is a period of life when prevalence of overweight, obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases rise the fastest. This period of life is very important for adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Those include regular physical activity and diet, which could prevent nutrient deficiencies and may limit harmful behaviors contributing to the epidemic of non-communicable diseases in adulthood. There are a small number of surveys on a large number of high school and student population about this topic in low-to middle income countries. Methods The aim of this study was to examine dietary habits and frequency of physical activity and presence of non-communicable diseases in immediate family. Survey was conducted in 6 secondary schools of city of Mostar through an anonymous questionnaire. The study involved 482 adolescents (279 boys and 203 girls) aged 17 and 18. For data entry and analysis SPSS (version 25) was used. Association between variables was determined using chi-square. Results Collected data showed low breakfast consumption by adolescents, low everyday consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. There is a high trend of daily consumption of meat, especially processed meat as also as relatively high consumption of soft drinks. In addition, data showed difference in physical activity of boys and girls. Conclusion There were significant deviations in dietary habits of participants compared with health needs recommended for adolescent population. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and organize better nutritional education for adolescents and involve wider community to implement public health programs in order to adopt a healthier lifestyle for adolescents.