Health promotion and nutritional status of adolescents in a large industrial city

Abstract

Objective — substantiation of ways to improve the health of students of general secondary education on the basis of determining the nutrition status based on the body mass index (BMI) of adolescents in a large industrial city.Materials and methods. The study was based on a cross-section of a population survey, performed in the period from April to May, 2019, with the use of questionnaire (СС #92695-2019 «Methods for assessing the impact of close social environment on the subjective perception of adolescents’ own health»).Results. The study involved 1191 adolescents aged 11–16 years. Food consumption was estimated by frequency of consumption for one month; body mass index was assessed by WHO standard indicators of physical development (SDS). The following indices of daily consumption have been established: candies (8.03 ± 0.78) %, cakes, pastries (5.8 ± 0.68) %, meat (14.54 ± 1.02) %, sausages (7.62 ± 0.76) %, fish (2.61 ± 0.46) %, milk (11.21 ± 1.9) %, fresh vegetables (19.9 ± 1.15) %. fruits (19.45 ± 1.14) %, mayonnaise, sauces and ketchups (5.47 ± 0.65)%, «fast food» (1.12 ± 0.30)%, street food (steaks, hot dogs) (0.81±0.26)%, snacks (chips, crackers) (1.84 ± 0.38) %, dry pasta «Mivina» (1.43 ± 0.34) %. According to the BMI, (5.3 ± 0.64) % of adolescents had depletion of body weight (BMI <-2SDS); insufficient body weight (BMI <-1 to -2SDS) was registered in (13.6 ± 0.99) % of population; normal body weight (± 1 SDS) was defined in (77.8 ± 1.2) % of adolescents, excessive body weight (BMI from +1 to +2 SDS) in (2,7 ± 0,46) % and obesity (BMI> + 2SDS) in (0.58 ± 0.22) % of children.Conclusions. The priority should be given to promoting health and formation of healthy lifestyle skills among young people. One should pay more attention to the forms and methods of nutrition of children and adolescents, improve the technology of medical, psychological and pedagogical support, and provide recommendations to parents on maintaining good health and proper eating behavior.