Assess the nutritional status and food practices among female students in Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional status and food practices among female students in Kuwait. Cross sectional study. The study included 200 female students; 100 from Kuwait University and 100 from The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training [PAAET]. Dietary assessment was done using 24-hour recall. The recorded data on food items were calculated using food composition tables and compared with recommended dietary allowance. Dietary practices, information about major food items were obtained by food frequency method. Information about fast food intake, food intake during watching television, body image, methods of weight reduction and sources of nutritional knowledge were collected by questionnaire. The anthropometric measurements of female students were assessed by measuring the height, weight and body mass index. The study showed that 52.5% of female students were normal weight, 5% were underweight while overweight and obese students were 42.5%. Normal weight group as well as overweight group got total protein more than recommended dietary allowance. Fat intake either animal or plant fat was more among overweight group than normal weight group. Similarly carbohydrate and energy intake were more among overweight group than normal weight group. Adolescents eat less than RDA from the following nutrients calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, niacin and vitamin E. Eating in front of the television is a common bad habit among the studied groups especially overweight group. The results showed that television is the most important source of knowledge [60.5%] followed by books [17.5%] and friends [16.5%]. Among overweight group, 47% only reported that they tried to reduce weight mainly by regular exercise [71.7%] while those who followed weight reducing diet were only 56.6%. Overweight and obesity is a common nutritional problem among students. Adolescents eat unhealthy food which is high in fat and in caloric contents and deficient in many other elements. Skipping breakfast, frequent eating fast food and drinking soft drinks as well as having snacks between meals are common nutritional problems. Health education toward these problems should be included in television programs and in university curricula