Determining the relationship between nutritional and physical activity conditions of adolescents living in orphanages and their health and body compositions

Abstract

Aim: The study was planned and implemented with the purpose of determining the relationship between the nutritional and physical activity conditions of adolescents living in orphanages in Ankara and their health and body compositions. Material and Methods: Research implemented by taking permission from Ethic Council of Gazi University Faculty of Medicine. 198 adolescents (115 boys, 83 girls) within the age group 13-18 living in orphanages, constitute the population of the study. Data's were collected in three stages; in the first stage, the question set developed to determine the nutritional status and habits. In the second stage, food consumption and physical activities of adolescents were recorded. In the third stage, anthropometric measurements were taken. Results: It was found in the study that 13.9% of boys and 31.3% of girls had health problems. It was also found that 69.6% boys and 91.6% of girls skipped meals, and among those skipping meals, 34.8% of boys and 61.4% of girls skipped breakfast most. More than half of boys (63.0%) and girls (65.0%) were pickers as regards what they eat, 17.2% of adolescents never consumed milk, and 40.9% never consumed red meat. When daily mean energy and nutrient intakes of adolescents were evaluated according to Nutrition Guide Unique for Turkey, boys ate diets insufficient in vitamin A, folic acid, Vitamin B₁₂, potassium, calcium and magnesium, girls ate diets insufficient in energy, vitamin A, Vitamin B₁, folic acid, Vitamin B₁₂, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Anthropometric measurements of adolescents were within normal limits; however, their activity levels were below those recommended. Conclusion: HEI (Healthy eating index) score for 15.7% of adolescent boys (n=18) were evaluated as "bad" for 80.9% (n=86) as "medium" and for 3.5% (n=6) as "good". It is recommended that implementing a training program for correcting the diet habits and the knowledge in nutrition of adolescents living in orphanages.