Comparative analysis of dietary pattern among male and female adolescents

Abstract

Understanding adolescent health is crucial as it is a phase wherein they step into adulthood from childhood. Though this phase is supposed to be the healthy stage in their lives, unfortunately a rise in lifestyle diseases has been observed. Adolescents establish their dietary patterns in this phase which can either protect their health or put them at risk during their adulthood. The objective of the current study was to assess and compare the dietary patterns among male (n=928) and female (n=935) adolescents in the age bracket of 16-18 years studying in various schools of Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali). Multistage stratified random sampling was carried out. Self-designed questionnaire was used to compare the demographic parameters, food habits and dietary patterns among respondents. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS, version 20. It was observed that 49.3% male respondents and 55.1% female respondents were vegetarians. The results revealed that the consumption of carbohydrates was less among both male and female respondents. Fruits and vegetables servings among male and female respondents was only 2.56±2.05 and 3.19±2.66 respectively (p