Food Behaviours and Health Indicators in Manitoba Adolescents and Relation to the Healthy Eating Index

Abstract

Adolescence is a vital period of growth and development, both of which are dependent on adequate nutrition; however, concerns persist about poor nutrition and inappropriate food behaviours. In addition to nutrition assessment, the context of food and health behaviour is necessary to understand how dietary choices are shaped and related to diet quality. This study describes food-related behaviours and health indicators associated with dietary quality among adolescents in Manitoba, Canada. A stratified two-stage sampling method was used to collect data on the diet, food behaviours and health indicators of 1587 grade nine students. Diet quality was analysed using the Healthy Eating Index-Canada. Several food behaviours and health indicators varied by gender and school region (urban, rural, northern). The Independent Samples t-test and one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) assessed differences between groups on the Healthy Eating Index-Canada. Higher Healthy Eating Index-Canada scores were found for those eating family dinners more frequently; consuming breakfast and lunch more frequently; consuming breakfast at home; eating lunch and morning snacks at school; purchasing fewer meals and snacks from cafeterias and vending machines; believing that food and nutrition education is important; not attempting to lose weight; being classified as ‘healthy weight’; and getting more sleep. Many Manitoba youth are exhibiting food and health behaviours that increase their risk of having a poor diet.

Status and Influence Factors of Sleep Quality in Adolescents with Mixed Anxiety and Depression Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…These results are consistent with other studies conducted in adolescents that have found higher sleep deprivation in girls [41]. Moreover, a study conducted in 1587 adolescents in Manitoba, Canada, also revealed that sleep (including getting enough sleep regularly, hours previous night, usual duration per night) are better in male than female [42]. Nicotine acts as a stimulant and is associated with decreased sleep quality.…”

Geographic Comparison of Dietary Intake and Quality in Manitoba Adolescents

“…Higher prevalence of poor nutrition indicators and body mass index in northern and rural areas (reported elsewhere) [25,40] may be related to factors such as food security. In particular, northern and some rural Manitoba communities have high rates of food insecurity due to reduced access to healthy foods, and high prices [4,41,42].…”