Differences in Nutritional Status and Level of Physical Activity Among Adolescents Living in Urban and Rural Areas of Montenegro - National Study

Abstract

Background and objectives Nutritional status and physical activity are important factors for adolescent health. These factors may vary by the type of settlement. Hence, this study aims to assess the nutritional status and physical activity levels, as well as their variations by the type of settlement. Method The sample consisted of 1503 adolescents (46.3% male; 53.7% female), with a mean age of 15.7 ± 0.7 years. Nutritional status was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), and Body Fat Percentage (BF). Physical activity levels were assessed using the PAQ-C questionnaire. Differences in nutritional status by the type of settlement were analyzed using Chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05), while differences in physical activity levels were analyzed using independent samples t-test (p ≤ 0.05). Results In terms of BMI, 14.7% of males were overweight and 10.1% were obese, while 12% of female adolescents were overweight and 3.1% were obese. There were no differences in nutritional status by settlement type (BMI, WHtR, BF). Male adolescents in rural areas had significantly higher physical activity levels compared to urban areas (p = 0.032). They showed higher activity scores during a spare time (p = 0.002), physical education classes (p = 0.002), little breaks (p = 0.007), and lunchtime (p = 0.034). Female adolescents showed significance only in spare time activity (p = 0.020). Conclusion The prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased in Montenegro in recent years, with no differences observed by settlement type. However, male adolescents living in urban areas showed lower levels of physical activity compared to their counterparts in rural areas. Strategies should be implemented to promote physical activity among adolescents in urban areas, considering its overall importance.