Dietary habits of Mauritian school adolescents

Abstract

PurposeThere is a strong need for nutrition education strategies that foster healthy eating from a young age in Mauritius, as the island has one of the highest rates of diet‐related diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardio‐vascular diseases in the world. In order to be effective, the strategies should focus on current eating habits of adolescents. However, there is limited up‐to‐date information on the eating habits of Mauritian adolescents. This study, thus, aims to provide up‐to‐date data on the dietary habits of Mauritian adolescents.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional study on the dietary habits of school adolescents (13‐16 years old) was conducted in 2003/2004. Stratified random sampling was used to select study participants (n = 315) from 12 secondary schools across the island. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire.FindingsFoods that are high in fats, sugar or salt and low in dietary fibre were commonly consumed by adolescents. The most popular sources of nutrition information were parents, the Science and Home Economics teachers and print materials. More than half of the adolescents (54 per cent) regularly gave dietary advice to their friends and relatives, and 41.2 per cent prepared foods at home on their own. The majority of adolescents (81.2 per cent) expressed their interest in learning more about nutrition at school.Practical implicationsFindings should provide a sound basis for local nutrition educators to identify priority areas, and thereafter develop appropriate health promotion strategies in collaboration with health and education authorities.Originality/valueThis study provides up‐to‐date baseline data on the eating habits of young adolescents in Mauritius. Moreover, it is the first study of its kind to focus on the food skills of Mauritian adolescents.

Is Healthy Eating Behaviour Common Among School Adolescents in Mauritius?

“…The previous study amongst Mauritian adolescents showed that 14-20% of the adolescents consumed fast-foods at least four times a week 13 . In this study, fast foods intake was reported by 100% of the adolescents surveyed.…”

“…This finding is consistent with a local study conducted by Oogarah-Pratap 13 which has also reported that the consumption of sausages and burgers is high among Mauritian school adolescents. This may be explained by the fact that sausages and burgers can be prepared quickly and easily making them a great choice for working mothers 13 .…”

“…Consumption of fruits and vegetables is of concern among this age group as several studies have reported that adolescents have a low intake of fruits and vegetables 13,29,30 . However, in the present study, fruits and vegetables intake appeared among adolescents appeared to be adequate at meal times.…”

“…Oogarah-Pratap et al, 13 reported that 42.3% of the adolescents consume sweet fizzy drinks which were mainly purchased in the school canteens. However, in the present study, majority of the adolescents reported drinking water (76%) or fruit juice (52%).…”

“…chocolates, sweets, and sugared fizzy drinks and are not consuming enough fruits and vegetables 12,13 . In addition, fast food options such as pizzas, fried chicken, burgers, and hot dogs are gaining popularity among adolescents, possibly because of their taste, convenience and the influence of peers 14 .…”