Nutritional knowledge and dietary intake of adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive, exploratory research was to explore nutritional knowledge and dietary intake of adolescents. Self- report questionnaires were delivered to 29 students from 2 classes in a post- secondary school. Data was analysed quantitatively and presented as raw data. The findings showed that the respondents, particularly females, were quite knowledgeable about certain nutritional aspects and the need for a healthy diet. Findings also showed that students' main sources of information on nutrition were mainly from Biology lessons and television. These respondents, especially males, seemed to snack quite frequently in spite of the fact that breakfast consumption was frequent. Although most students took a packed lunch to school, fast food outlets, especially the school canteen, were still commonly frequented, mostly by males. Students, especially females, seemed to consume sweet items as snacks quite often. However, even though few in number, females consumed more healthy food such as fruit. The need for a higher intake of fruit, vegetables and pulses in all students is recommended. Several suggestions have been made for future research, including the need for a longitudinal study to document trends in eating habits of adolescents over a 10- year period.