Original scientific paper
DIFFERENCES IN EATING HABITS AMONG STUDENTS AGED 15-18 YEARS IN RELATION TO SEX IN THE AREA OF MUNICIPALITY TRAVNIK
Ermina Kukić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3987-9035
; Public Health Institute SBK/KSB, Bolnička 1, 72 270 Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sead Karakaš
; Public Health Institute SBK/KSB, Bolnička 1, 72 270 Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mateja Paklarčić
orcid.org/0000-0001-6021-8587
; Public Health Institute SBK/KSB, Bolnička 1, 72 270 Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Abstract
Introduction: Proper nutrition is an important factor for promotion and preservation of health. The modern way of life which is characterized by long working hours, irregular food intake, intake of at least one meal during the day out of the house and changes in dietary habits in terms of choice, type, method of preparation and amount of foods in the daily diet, with reduced physical activity, have led to increase the number of health problems that are based on unbalanced diet.
Objective: The aim of this study was to examine overall dietary habits and nutritional status of high school students in the municipality of Travnik, and whether there are differences in these characteristics with regard to gender.
Methodology: The study included 229 students aged 15-18 years, 90 were male students and 139 female. As instruments of measurement were used a questionnaire that was developed for this study (22 questions about dietary and lifestyle) and anthropometric measurements (height and weight). Assessment of nutritional state was carried out on the basis of percentile curves, ie. on the basis of the calculated values for height and weight compared to the year.
Results: It was found that according to the percentile curves 196 (85.59%) students age 15-18 had a desirable body weight, 29 (12.67%) were overweight, and there were not obese students. When they were asked about the consumption of cooked lunch on the basis of the results there is a statistically significant difference (X2=10.400, df=3, Sig.=0.015 (p=0.05)) there was a higher percentage of girls 62 (44.60%) who daily consume the same in relation to boys 23 (25.56%).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the highest percentage of male respondents 74 (82.22%) and 122 females (87.77%) were normally nourished, overweight was 15 (16.67%) males and 14 (10.7%) girls. Proper nutrition is very important for health care and for a long, productive life. Children and young people need a varied and balanced diet, in order to favorably influence the growth and development, good function of the immune system and mental and working ability.
Keywords
nutritional status; proper nutrition; eating habits
Hrčak ID:
169137
URI
Publication date:
31.8.2016.
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