ABSTRACT
Comparing dietary pattern and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South of Tehran, the capital of Iran. This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North district of Tehran [n=105; high socio-economic level] and the South district [n=105; low socio-economic level] were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers´ and fathers´ educational levels and parents´ occupation were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Three questionnaires of food frequency, one-day 24-hour food recall and one-day 24-hour food record were used for assessing dietary pattern. The results showed that the frequency consumption of certain fatty foods, including dairy products and meat group, and fats in district 1 are higher than in district 19 adolescent girls; based on many differences such as life style and food accessibility. This indicated that there is a significant difference in the quality pattern of fat intake between the two districts. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic districts
ABSTRACT
To compare obesity, overweight and related socio-economic factors among adolescent girls in the North and South areas of Tehran, the capital of Iran, in 2005. This cross-sectional and analytical study 210 adolescent girls, aged 14-17 years, from high schools in the North area of Tehran [n=105; high socio-economic level] and the South area [n=105; low socio-economic level] were selected by the two-step, cluster random sampling method. Demographic data, including mothers_ and fathers_ educational levels and parents_ jobs were gathered, using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Food intake data were obtained by a one-day 24- hour recall and a one- day food record. Weight and height were measured based on standard methods and Body Mass 85 th >/= Index [BMI] were calculated. Overweight + obesity were defined as a BMI percentile of age - sex specific BMI. The prevalence of overweight +obesity was observed in 15.2% of the girls in the North area and 26.7% of the South area, the difference being significant [P= 0.001]. Mean of energy, fat and energy derived from fat were 1964 kcal, 72.0 gr and 34.1% in North area and 2288 kcal, 83.1 gr and 34.4% in South area, respectively. There was a significant correlation between BMI of the girls and mothers' literacy in the North area. Obesity + overweight were significantly correlated with mothers' job among girls in the South area. Evidence suggests that overweight and obesity in Tehran, especially among female adolescents of a low socioeconomic level, is a public health problem. It is suggested to design and implement nutritional intervention programs for adolescent girls, particularly in the low socio- economic areas