A picture of the adolescents dietary habits in Tunisia

Abstract

Abstract Background Adolescence is one of the main growth periods of life during which dietary needs are specific and where diet quality is important for healthy development. Nonetheless, unhealthy eating behaviours are common among adolescents including over consumption of unhealthy fast food, sugar and fat and skipping meals. Exposure to unhealthy eating can lead to chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes. In this context, we conducted this study to describe the quality of the diet of middle school students in the Region of Kairouan in Tunisia. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 among middle school students in the Region of Kairouan. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Results In this study, 494 students were included. In terms of food type, fast food meals (sandwiches) were the most preferred type of food (52.6%). Daily consumption of vegetables and fruit was reported by 48.8% of students. Among the participants, 46.8% reported daily consumption of olive oil. Daily water consumption was less than one liter for 32% of the college students. Daily coffee and/or tea consumption concerned 53.8% of respondents. In the current study, 39.3% of the students reported that they consume more than three meals per day and 26.7% declared that they often skip the breakfast. In our study, 62.8% of the participants had reported their dissatisfaction with their nutrition education, 54.9% sought to know the food composition and 57.9% reported that they have a willingness to adopt a healthy eating. Conclusions A quality and diversified diet can cover the specific nutritional needs of adolescents. A diet inspired by the Mediterranean food is to be encouraged. Further studies should be conducted among adolescents to evaluate the impact of a healthy and balanced diet on health and school achievement. Key messages The quality of diet of Tunisian adolescents is to be improved. Effective comprehensive programs for healthy lifestyle promotion are needed to improve the eating behaviour among Tunisian adolescents.