A comparison of the dietary pattern of adolescent schoolgirls in two defined urban and rural settings

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the dietary pattern and somerelated factors among adolescent schoolgirls in two defined urban and rural settings. Methodology: A-_crosi-sectional comparative study was carried out among adolescent schoolgirls in year eleven classes, attending selected Grade 1AB schools in two defined urban and rural settings. A selfadministered questionnaire which included a food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the food habits and some relevant factors such as independence of dietary habits, awareness on body size (body image), dieting and exercise, food preferences, cultural 'beliefs and attitudes (food taboos). Results: Consumption of meat products, eggs, fish, vegetables, soft drinks, milk products and sweets was higher among urban adolescent girls. Dried fish and dark green leaves was consumed more by rural adolescent girls and the consumption of fruits showed a mixed pattern, The study showed that the food habits of the subjects are less independent even in the urban setting. Although the concept of body image was a concern to some extent, especially amongurban adolescent girls, it was not so prevalent as in industrialized countries.

Knowledge of non-communicable diseases and practices related to healthy lifestyles among adolescents, in state schools of a selected educational division in Sri Lanka

“…[ 7 , 21 ] However, a majority of students (73.3%) consumed a home-prepared breakfast, the finding of which is also consistent with the study reported by Kumarapeli. [ 22 ] Individual practices related to diet may be dependent on family food choices as well as availability, accessibility, and affordability which are influenced by the fluctuations in cost due to weather conditions experienced throughout the year.…”

Awareness, knowledge and the factors that affect the use of folic acid among pregnant and non-pregnant women in the reproductive age in a selected area in Colombo district, Sri Lanka

“…Majority of Sri Lankan women have poor knowledge on proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation 23 and there are no published reports in Sri Lanka regarding the prevalence of pre-conceptional FA intake. Little is known about what motivates young women to become informed about the use of FA supplementation.…”

Nutritional Status of Adolescent Females in Estates in Haliela, Sri Lanka

“…The proportion of estate adolescents (34%) who restricted food purposely to avoid obesity and who restricted food during menstruation (36.8%) were similar to the finding of the study among adolescents in urban and rural Sri Lanka (37.4% and 36.1% respectively). 21 All the other factors, low dietary diversity, food purchase at each meal/ daily, and poor food availability, which were found to be associated with estate adolescent undernutrition as revealed by the multivariate analysis were related to inadequate access/availability of food and can be considered to be caused largely by poverty at household level. Some experiences of food unavailability can be considered to indicate situations in which adolescent females of the poor households had to compromise their share of food to give priority to others.…”

“…The proportion of estate adolescents (34%) who restricted food purposely to avoid obesity and who restricted food during menstruation (36.8%) were similar to the finding of the study among adolescents in urban and rural Sri Lanka (37.4% and 36.1% respectively). 21…”