Dietary pattern and nutritional status of female adolescents in Amai Secondary School, Delta State, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: there is an existing variability in eating patterns between adolescents and children. Consequently, with the adoption of westernised way of life, this translates to a change in eating habits and food choices. This study was designed to investigate the dietary patterns and nutritional status of the female adolescents in Amai Secondary Commercial School, Delta State, Nigeria. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 adolescent female students (12-18 years) using simple random sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the information while anthropometric measurement was carried out to obtain the height and weight of the respondents. Data generated were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. RESULTS: majority of the respondents 129 (64.20%) were between the ages of 16-18 years. Measurement of nutritional status confirmed that 46.80% and 31.80% of the respondents were underweight and healthy weight respectively. In addition, the dietary pattern of the respondents demonstrated that they consumed proteinous, carbohydrate, and snacks occasionally. Factors that motivated respondents for good food choices include; nutritional status 71 (35.30%), taste 54 (26.90%), and popularity 15 (7.50%). CONCLUSION: under nutrition remains a challenge among rural adolescent girls in Amai community. Therefore sustained strategic nutritional campaigns should be carried out among female adolescents in Amai community in order to improve their nutritional status.

Evaluation of ADL and BMI in the management of diabetes mellitus at secondary and tertiary health facilities.

AIMS: Physical activities of daily living (ADL) constitutes one of diabetes management options. This study aimed to assess the extent that ADL and BMI are evaluated among diabetes patients in hospital practice. METHOD: This was a clinical observational baseline study in two hospitals. Audit of medical files was performed to assess if BMI and occupations were recorded (N = 112). Afterwards, 'N = 38' who consented to participate in prospective study were conveniently sampled to assess ADL in relation to accessible metabolic syndrome tests. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Audit shows 55/112 of clients' occupation were taken, of which 31% has BMI record. Those with lipid profile results are without blood pressure and vice versa. In the cross-sectional assessment, 74% are in physically demanding ADL occupations, but affirmed inactivity is 98% on leisure exercise. Further, 47% have BMI >25 kg/m2 and were consistently less active on all leisure ADL relative to those with BMI <25 kg/m2 (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: This report highlights oversight in clinical practice, whereby accessible metabolic syndrome parameters and occupation of clients living with diabetes are being assessed inconsistently. This implies an unmet need in the integration BMI and occupational information to improve diabetes self-management.