Dietary habits and lifestyle of urban adolescents from Trogir, Croatia: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective - The research was undertaken to analyze the dietary habits and lifestyle of adolescents from Trogir, Croatia, and to determine the proportion of overweight subjects according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) standards.

Subjects and Methods - This pilot study was undertaken in 2009 on a sample of 497 adolescents aged 14-19 years, 322 of whom were girls (79%). The subjects filled out an anonymous questionnaire about their lifestyle and dietary habits and they were measured anthropometrically. The cut off value for overweight was defined according to IOTF standards and is equivalent to Body Mass Index (BMI) equal or higher than 25 kg/m2 in adults.

Results - We detected gender differences in terms of lifestyle and dietary habits. Breakfast is equally often skipped by both boys and girls, but girls significantly often skip also lunch (p=0.050) and dinner (p<0.001). Boys consumed low-quality diet significantly more often than girls. While half of the population consumed olive oil daily, it can be said for less than 30% of girls and 40% of boys eat fresh fruit (p=0.018). Number of boys and girls who smoke did not differ significantly but twice as much boys than girls consumed alcohol (48% vs. 24%, p<0.001). On the other hand, boys were more often involved in out-of-school sports (p<0.001). In this population, 22.8% of boys and 9% of girls had BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 for their age and sex.

Conclusion - This study results indicate the presence unhealthy lifestyle and dietary habits of the adolescents from Trogir, especially boys. Therefore, we will focus on planning the programme to elevate awareness regarding the importance and effect of healthy adolescents` lifestyle on decreased morbidity and mortality risk in the adulthood.