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| Author(s): |
Daniela Cristina Rossetto Caroba
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | Piracicaba. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) |
| Defense date: | 2002-10-15 |
| Examining board members: |
Marina Vieira da Silva;
Nancy dos Santos Dorna Castelo Branco;
Marilia Oetterer
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| Advisor: | Marina Vieira da Silva |
| Abstract | |
Adolescence is understood as an intermediate stage between childhood and adulthood, and is characterized as a period of high growth and development. Adolescents are oftentimes considered as a group exposed to nutritional risk due to their eating habits as well as their lifestyles. The promotion of styles for a healthy life may contribute for the health of children and adolescents, and school life represents a significant space for such an activity. The main objective of this paper was to investigate the nutritional status, food preferences and life style of 578 adolescents, of both genders, registered in the public schools (n= 7) of the city of Piracicaba - SP. Anthropometrical indicators were analyzed (Z-scores of height-for-age - ZAI, and Z-scores for weight-for-age -ZPI), and the distribution of the Body Mass Index - BMI. By applying a questionnaire, information was gathered about the students' eating habits, physical activity and lifestyle. By a specific formulary filled out by a parent or guardian, the social and economic status of the students family was identified. Science and physical education teachers (n= 26) of the schools were also interviewed with the purpose of assessing their knowledge on food and nutrition. Tables of contingence were drafted, attached to the chi-square tests and multiple regression analyses performed. The following results were among the main findings: a low percentage (4,0%) of the students showed a ZAI score <- 2, 22,1% of them exhibited BMI ≤ 85° P (an indication of overweightness). This research effort did not reveal any statistically significant relationship between the family's per-capita income and the student's nutritional status. It was verified that the most consumed daily foods were: rice, dry beans, bread, milk, fruits, juices, margarine, coffee, greens and chocolate. About 70% of the young sujects frequently bought food at the school cafeteria, preferring foods rich in sugar and fat. Using the multiple regression statistics technique, it was possible to notice that at each additional month in the boys life there was an additon of 4.33 kcal to his diet, whereas for girls, there was a decrease of 2.14 kcal per month. It was also ascertained that adolescents watch television for an average of 4 hours daily and that 78,6% of the interviewed adolescents practice some kind of sport. Considering the data obtained from the teachers, it was verified that the main subject approached in class was the relationship between nutrients and their functions, and also the concept of a balanced meal. The teachers recognized, collectively, the strong influence from TV on the adolescents' food habits. The implementation of programs for nutritional education addressed to the adolescent should be of unquestionable importance as a means of motivating young citizens to have both healthy foods and lifestyles - thereby upgrading the quality of life. (AU) | |