The Food Consumption Pattern of Adolescents in Ibadan

Abstract

Dietary behaviours of adolescents drive the development of chronic non-communicable diseases later in life. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from 800 students at 9 schools in Ibadan, Nigeria and a 74-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the frequency of intake of specific foods. Roots and tubers and cereals and legumes were the most commonly consumed food groups. Daily intake of the most commonly consumed fruits was reported by 26.5% (tangerine), 28.0% (pawpaw) and 37.8% (orange). 40.9% reported daily consumption of tomato. 43.2% and 41.8% respectively consumed carbonated drinks and chocolate-flavoured drinks daily. There is a need for the promotion of healthier food choices in these schools.