Assessing the nutritional habits, risky nutritional behaviors and the physical activity behavior of high school students in Adana city center

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional habits, risky nutritional behaviors and physical activity behavior of high school students in Adana in school year 2009-2010.Materials and Methods: The universe included all high schools within Adana Metropolitan Municipality. Schools were selected by random numbers table. A total of 2640 students were included by using weighted random cluster sampling method. A modified version of Youth Risk Behaviors Surveillance questionnaire was used. The total number of questionnaires in the study was 3115.Results: Of 3115 students, 1419 were male and 1634 were female. The mean age was 16±1.2 years (14-21). According to Turkey reference of body mass indexes (BMI), the percentages of slim, normal, overweighted and obese students were 14.8%, 69.9%, 9.3% and 6%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the students? BMI and their gender, parents? educational status, and the students? weekly income. It was found that almost half of the students had a misperception related to their body weights. Female students were likely to consider themselves as overweighted or obese whereas male students were likely to consider themselves as less weighted. It is found as the body weight perception being more overweight, there has been an increase in weight losing attempts. Of students, 14.2% reported that they had no breakfast at all. The most frequently consumed foods were Adana kebap as a local food, fruits as healthy food and coke as unhealthy drink. It is found that the percentages of students not participating in a physical activity for at least 60 minutes during the last seven days and not joining the gym classes were higher in female students compared to males. The study showed that 85% of students did not have any health education except for the health class at school.Conclusion: The family physician specialist with a holistic approach should consider the risky behaviors related to nutrition and physical activity in adolescents. Collaboration should be provided between the adolescent, family physician, family and the school teachers and directors.Key Words: Adolescence, high school, nutritional habits, risky nutritional behaviors, physical activity, perception, health education