Changes In Food Consumption Patterns Research Articles

Impact of COVID-19 on dietary diversity and food security in Pakistan: A comprehensive analysis

This study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on dietary diversity and food security in Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh provinces, assessing how the pandemic has influenced individuals' access to varied and nutritious foods. Utilizing data from 1067 respondents collected through online surveys, the research highlights significant changes in food consumption patterns, with infected individuals showing higher Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) than those not infected. The findings indicate a shift towards more readily available and affordable food items such as cereals, fruits, and dairy products, reflecting adjustments in dietary habits during the pandemic. Socio-economic factors, including age, gender, urban residency, and wealth, were identified as key determinants of dietary diversity. Specifically, women and urban residents showed improved dietary habits during the pandemic. In addition, the study identifies nutritional awareness as a critical factor in promoting healthier food choices, suggesting that well-informed individuals have more diverse diets, which could aid in disease prevention, contributing to potential disease prevention. The research underscores the pandemic's profound effects on dietary patterns and food security. It calls for policy interventions focused on improving food access, enhancing public awareness on nutrition, and integrating food security measures into pandemic response strategies to support vulnerable populations and ensure long-term resilience against health crises.

Socio-demographic and cross-country differences in attention to sustainable certifications and changes in food consumption

Food labeling can influence, sometimes facilitate, changes in consumer diets to support environmental sustainability and in response to climate change. However, a significant impediment to this dietary shift may arise from the consumers’ tendency to underestimate the environmental impact of their food choices and from their limited knowledge about sustainable certifications. These aspects are influenced by the characteristics and geographical affiliations of individuals. In such a context, the aim of this research has been to identify the main factors that drive the food purchasing frequency and the changes in food consumption associated with consumers’ concerns about climate change and interest in sustainable food certifications by comparing different food products and countries (Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, the USA, and China). A cross-country survey was conducted on 6500 consumers of various food products. The obtained mean scores were then compared, using generalized linear mixed-effect models, to evaluate the associations between the consumers’ food purchasing frequency, the importance of sustainable certifications, and changes in food consumption due to climate change concerns. Much of the variation in food consumption, purchasing behaviors, and interest in sustainable certifications was found to depend on such factors as age, gender, and country of origin. Indeed, Chinese consumers exhibited a heightened interest in sustainable food certifications, yet their consumption scores for all food products overall were higher. Conversely, adult and elderly Danish consumers demonstrated a decrease in the consumption of cheeses, meat, fruits, and vegetables, and their interest scores in all sustainable food certifications were lower. Despite the challenges posed by various consumers’ interests and minimal changes in food consumption patterns, our findings suggest that sustainable certifications present a promising avenue for straightforward interventions to promote the adoption of sustainable diets and to address climate change.

Current State of Archaeobotanical Research in Ghana: On Diet, Food Resources and Research Perspectives

This review delves into the changes in food consumption patterns over time in West Africa, emphasising the significant role played by archaeobotanical studies. West African food consumption has been influenced by various factors such as economic, environmental, and external influences. Our initial studies focused on plant and animal domestication and the spread of grains. The arrival of Europeans in the 15th century brought changes in foodways, introducing new crops from the New and Old World. Some misconceptions about African food and agriculture have been challenged, accentuating the region’s diversity and resilience. The paper discusses the initial focus on economic factors and the domestication of plants, leading to a better understanding of the connection between food and society. Additionally, it dispels misapprehensions about West African cuisine and highlights the impact of the Atlantic trade on foodways. The study underscores the significance of interdisciplinary research in rectifying any biases surrounding Africa’s food history. Archaeobotanical research has shed light on the dynamic nature of African foodways, including the integration of American crops into local food traditions. However, knowledge of the extent of adoption and use of these crops during the precolonial era remains limited. More research is required to comprehend the adoption of American crops and the resilience of African food systems.

Chemical Analysis of Kitchen Waste for Developing Formulae for Compost Fertilizer

The rapid growth of the global population and changes in food consumption patterns have resulted in issues relating to food insecurity. Improved strategic solutions are needed to allow easy access to food and also to manage large volumes of waste efficiently. From this research, a microeconomic- level solution to manage the aforementioned issues is addressed. Common kitchen waste such as peels and discarded parts of fruits and vegetables can be combined to produce compost fertilizer. Producing compost fertilizer in this manner can be considered a microeconomic-level waste management strategy. Compost fertilizer produced using kitchen waste can subsequently be used in home gardening. Many vegetables and fruits can easily be cultivated in small, confined spaces such as in home gardens. This study analyzed chemical parameters such as total carbon and other total nutrient levels (N, P, Ca, Mg and K) in ten kitchen waste and two supplementary samples using standard methods. The kitchen waste samples consisted of peels and discarded parts of fruits and vegetables. The two supplementary samples- Tithonia diversifolia (Wild sunflower), and Gliricidia sepium were chosen because they are nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. The analysis results were then fed to a computer program developed for this study. It was based on the simulated annealing algorithm. The program generated different formulae for producing 100 g mixtures of raw materials for composting, by mixing the 10 kitchen waste and 2 supplementary samples in 24 different combinations. The nutrient levels of these mixtures were expected to match or exceed a calculated ―target nutrient level‖. It was calculated based on local compost fertilizer standards and the chemical analysis results. The target nutrient level calculated as the minimum required level by dry mass of each material was 25.00% Carbon, 1.25% Nitrogen, 0.63% Phosphorus, 1.25% Potassium, 0.88% Calcium, and 0.63% Magnesium. The program was able to generate mixtures of raw materials in which most of the levels matched or exceeded the target level. However, the phosphorus levels of all formulae fell below the target phosphorus level and in some mixtures, the magnesium level also was less than the targeted level. The actual nutrient level of one of the 100 g mixtures (combination C3) containing 0.19 g banana stem, 0.21 g discarded tea grounds, 0.41 g discarded scraped coconut, 0.57 g banana peel, and 97.34 g Gliricidia leaves was (% by dry mass), 85.68% Carbon, 2.20% Nitrogen, 0.25% Phosphorus, 1.32% Potassium, 2.24% Calcium and 0.71% Magnesium. This promising method can further be developed by adding more nutrient-rich raw materials to the program. The program could be a useful tool for compost fertilizer manufacturing, especially for small-scale horticultural purposes. 
 Keywords: Compost, Waste management, Nutrient analysis, Kitchen waste

Tree tomato: Underutilized vegetable for sustainable nutritional and economic security

Tree tomato is an underutilized high-value vegetable possessing high functional value to satisfy the needs of health-conscious people. Its fruits contain a diverse range of nutrients and bioactive compounds including vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, polyphenols, anthocyanin, and carotenoids possessing potent nutraceutical properties. The presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds makes the fruits excellent antioxidative, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obese food constituents. The crop has not yet been explored to full of its potential. Germplasm conservation strategies, hybridization, micropropagation, polyploidy, genetic engineering, genome editing etc. have been successfully utilized for the development of cultivars with improved traits in many crops and can be of help for the potential improvement of tree tomatoes. Nowadays, the changing food consumption patterns have resulted in an increased interest in the consumption of tree tomatoes. Advanced technologies for the development of value-added products with minimized losses, enhanced stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, and optimization of processes to preserve the functionality of the product need the attention of the scientific community. This paper summaries the functional characterization of major bioactive compounds, improvement strategies, and the effect of processing on quality traits along with futuristic approaches for the potential improvement of tree tomatoes.

Food Security and The Current Situation in Iraq

Food is the basis of human well-being. Increasing food production represents a basic and important strategy to alleviate global food insecurity. But despite the fact that world food production for the last century has remained ahead of demand. About a billion people around the world do not have enough to eat. Another billion people lack adequate nutrition. Food insecurity faces many pressures on both sides of supply and demand. The most important of these factors are housing growth, climate change, globalization, urbanization, and diseases. In addition to other factors that cause a change in food consumption patterns, many countries have resorted to approaches and policies to achieve food security for them. They have tired of the approach of production support, the liberalization of food trade, the policy of subsidizing consumption, in addition to the micronutrient supply program. And starting to understand food security from the perspective of shifting from the pillars to the tracks and addressing food security by encouraging growth in the agricultural sectors and increasing knowledge to implement the foundations of food security and to define foodborne diseases and the correct management of urban centers.Recently, international organizations have stressed the importance of sustainability to preserve natural and environmental resources and agricultural ecosystems, thus “achieving a comprehensive, food-secure and sustainable social system.” Considering food security and sustainability is an integral part, as today and in the future sustainable food systems will play a major role in maintaining nutritional well-being and health, in addition to sustaining food security in the future.

Call for emergency action to restore dietary diversity and protect global food systems in times of COVID-19 and beyond: Results from a cross-sectional study in 38 countries

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the fragility of the global food system, sending shockwaves across countries' societies and economy. This has presented formidable challenges to sustaining a healthy and resilient lifestyle. The objective of this study is to examine the food consumption patterns and assess diet diversity indicators, primarily focusing on the food consumption score (FCS), among households in 38 countries both before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cross-sectional study with 37 207 participants (mean age: 36.70 ± 14.79, with 77 % women) was conducted in 38 countries through an online survey administered between April and June 2020. The study utilized a pre-tested food frequency questionnaire to explore food consumption patterns both before and during the COVID-19 periods. Additionally, the study computed Food Consumption Score (FCS) as a proxy indicator for assessing the dietary diversity of households. FindingsThis quantification of global, regional and national dietary diversity across 38 countries showed an increment in the consumption of all food groups but a drop in the intake of vegetables and in the dietary diversity. The household's food consumption scores indicating dietary diversity varied across regions. It decreased in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries, including Lebanon (p < 0.001) and increased in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries including Bahrain (p = 0.003), Egypt (p < 0.001) and United Arab Emirates (p = 0.013). A decline in the household's dietary diversity was observed in Australia (p < 0.001), in South Africa including Uganda (p < 0.001), in Europe including Belgium (p < 0.001), Denmark (p = 0.002), Finland (p < 0.001) and Netherland (p = 0.027) and in South America including Ecuador (p < 0.001), Brazil (p < 0.001), Mexico (p < 0.0001) and Peru (p < 0.001). Middle and older ages [OR = 1.2; 95 % CI = [1.125–1.426] [OR = 2.5; 95 % CI = [1.951–3.064], being a woman [OR = 1.2; 95 % CI = [1.117–1.367], having a high education (p < 0.001), and showing amelioration in food-related behaviors [OR = 1.4; 95 % CI = [1.292–1.709] were all linked to having a higher dietary diversity. ConclusionThe minor to moderate changes in food consumption patterns observed across the 38 countries within relatively short time frames could become lasting, leading to a significant and prolonged reduction in dietary diversity, as demonstrated by our findings.

Food Purchasing Pattern in Rural Family of Haryana State, India

India experienced a massive change in food consumption patterns. There has been a decline in cereal, especially coarse cereal intake whereas consumption of other food items (fruits, vegetables, meat products and milk products) has slightly increased particularly in rural Haryana. These changes vary across socio-economic groups, which have implications for intergroup inequalities. This paper attempts to show food consumption patterns across selected social and economic groups and identifies food consumption regions in India. This paper shows that the food purchasing pattern of farm families revealed that vegetables (other than leafy) were highly purchased food items, with an average quantity of 14.7 kg per month. Therefore, there is a need to make them aware of different consumer laws.

Exploring Consumer Perceptions and Changing Consumption Patterns for Smoked Paprika: Implications for Traditional Food Products in Spain.

Changes in the level of income of the population and a reduction in time availability are shifting food consumption from traditional to more convenient food products. The production of traditional food has a significantly positive impact on the territory, as it contributes to preserving cultural traditions and identity and supports rural development and resilience, thus becoming essential for the survival of rural areas. Within traditional food products, spices are among the most usual ingredients in traditional cuisine, extensively used to add flavour and colour to dishes. However, spices in general and paprika in particular-one of the most typical spices in the Spanish cuisine and the subject of this paper-have been rarely the subject of scientific studies. The purpose of this study is to analyse consumers' perceptions towards paprika and determine the level of its consumption. For this purpose, a survey was conducted on a representative sample of Spanish consumers. The findings indicated that the average consumption of paprika was 154.5 gr/person per year. Although the general consumers' perceptions toward this spice were generally positive, they proved to be less positive amongst young people and inhabitants of large cities, whose consumption of the spice was also lower. Additionally, the Pimentón de La Vera PDO paprika was the most popular version of paprika, being mentioned by all the participants. The findings from this study confirm the change in food consumption patterns.

Preferences of Food Consumption - Local Food vs Organic Food

Objective: The purpose of this research is to understand the change in food consumption patterns of consumers of organic food especially after the pandemic. Theoretical framework: This study draws suggestions from attitude-behaviour relationship model. The internal factors are - attitudes towards local food, and attitudes towards supporting the local economy, while the external factors are - high price and trust issues related to organic food. Method: Data from organic food consumers was quantitatively analysed using multiple regression in SPSS. A seven point Likert scale was considered to measure the responses and a Cronbach alpha score of 0.8 indicated that the constructs were reliable. Results and conclusion: The findings suggest organic food consumers who have an attitude towards local food consumption and an attitude to support local economy have positive intention towards local food purchase. Also the high price and trust issues related to organic food positively influence the intention to purchase local food. Implications of the research: This study uncovers the changes in food consumption pattern during and after the pandemic. COVID-19 has affected people financially too and affordability has become a key. Marketers will have to come up with affordable solutions to market healthy food. Originality/value: The shift in consumers' preference from organic to local has implications for the environment and the society. Local food is found to be sustainable, healthy and less expensive. Local food systems cater to food traceability and high food safety.

THE IMPACT OF INCREASING COOKING OIL PRICES ON FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS IN VARIOUS HOUSEHOLD INCOME GROUPS IN ACEH PROVINCE

Consumption of cooking oil from year to year continues to increase, especially in Aceh Province. In general, almost all people in this area consume cooking oil derived from oil palm plants for household needs. As one of the basic needs, the increase in the price of cooking oil has affected changes in household consumption patterns. This study aims to analyze the impact of rising cooking oil prices on changes in people's food consumption patterns in various household income groups in a quantitative descriptive manner. The results of the analysis show that the increase in the price of cooking oil has an impact on changes in food consumption patterns, namely a decrease in consumption of several food needs other than cooking oil. This decline occurred in various household income groups in Aceh Province.

Increasing Nitrogen Losses Due to Changing Food Consumption Patterns in Bayannur City, China.

Increasing urbanization and affluence have led to changes in food consumption patterns. The application of nitrogen (N) fertilizers ensures food security but also leads to environmental pollution due to N losses, through processes such as acidification, eutrophication, and greenhouse gas emissions. To clarify whether changes in food consumption patterns could increase N losses and to explore sustainable food system pathways, this study integrated the Chinese Food System Dashboard and the Nutrient Flows in Food Chains, Environment and Resources Use model to quantify and compare the link between food consumption and N losses in different agricultural regions using a case study of Bayannur City in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2016. During the study period, Bayannur's food consumption pattern changed from a "high carbohydrate and pork pattern" to a "high fiber and herbivore pattern", which represents a shift from low to high N consumption. The per-capita food consumption decreased by 11.55% from 425.41 kg cap-1, whereas the per-capita N losses increased by 12.42% from 35.60 kg N cap-1. The average share of the plant-oriented and animal-oriented food supply in these losses was 53.39% and 46.61%, respectively. There were differences in the food consumption patterns and N losses in Bayannur's farming, farming-pastoral, and pastoral regions. The changes in N losses were most significant in the pastoral region. The N losses to the environment increased sharply by 112.33% from 22.75 g N cap-1 over the past 16 years. The low level of economic development in Bayannur resulted in a shift in the food consumption pattern to a high N consumption. Four measures to protect food security and reduce the food N cost were proposed: (1) increasing the wheat planting area and maintaining the existing corn one; (2) expanding the scale of high-quality alfalfa planting; (3) enhancing the area of oat grass and wheat replanting; and (4) using modern planting technology.

Indigenous Foods in Decline? A Study on Changing Consumption Patterns Within the Barolong Boo Ratshidi Community, Northwest Province of South Africa

ABSTRACT This study examines changes in food consumption patterns within African communities, with specific reference to the Barolong Boo Ratshidi community in the Northwest Province of South Africa. The study uses a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews conducted with members of this community (or participants) to understand their views of food and consumption patterns. It also sought to understand the participants’ understanding of the factors behind these changes and their effects as well as their understanding of the meanings underlying indigenous African foods. It was found that contrary to the widely held view that only the elderly members of communities are endeared to indigenous foods, this is not so because the youth also express preference for these foods while embracing changes that have effect on their consumption. This is so even though many of the youth are ignorant of the cultural meanings of indigenous African foods served on different occasions. Their enthusiasm for these foods is seen as an optimistic basis for future efforts meant to revitalize them.

Determinants of Changes in the Diet Quality of Japanese Adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

This study evaluated changes in diet quality during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its association with variations in attitudes or behavior, as well as health status changes. Participants were Japanese adults aged 20-69 years who resided in 13 prefectures where specific cautions were announced to prevent the spread of the virus. An online survey was conducted in September 2021, and participants were those who shopped for food or prepared meals more than twice a week during the survey. Overall, 2101 participants were analyzed. An improved or worsened diet quality was determined based on changes in food consumption patterns, and participants were categorized into three groups (improved diet quality (IDQ), worsened diet quality (WDQ), and others). The IDQ group participants (10.2%) improved their dietary consciousness during COVID-19, cooked almost everything from ingredients, and increased their balanced meal eating frequency. However, the WDQ participants (11.1%) had worsened dietary consciousness and increased consumption of takeaway meals and alcohol but decreased balanced meal consumption. Cooking frequency changes were not independent determinants of variations in diet quality. Our results show that the diet quality changes during COVID-19 were possibly caused by changes in dietary consciousness or different levels of meal preparation practices.

Food security in a changing climate world

The purpose of this article is to analyze the potential impact of climate change on food security. Global environmental changes coupled with socio-economic changes are a major food security issue and challenge. The main findings show that all four key elements of food security, namely availability, stability, use and access are significantly affected by changes in the environment. The most vulnerable segment of the population is those whose living conditions and livelihoods are strictly dependent on climate change and their ability to adapt is the lowest due to household income. This category includes children and women, poor people, the elderly and all those who depend on agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing and other natural resources. Climate change and its impact on demographic patterns, urbanization, population movements, and changes in food consumption patterns are intensifying food system risks globally.

A Playful Approach to Household Sustainability: Results From a Pilot Study on Resource Consumption

Background. U.S. households produce a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, indicating a potential to reduce their carbon footprints from changing food, energy, and water (FEW) consumption patterns. Behavioral change to FEW consumption is needed, but difficult to achieve. Interactive and engaging approaches like serious games could be a way to increase awareness of possible measures, leading to more sustainable behavior at a household level. This study looks into the experiences and effects of a digital game for homeowners with the potential to reduce FEW resource consumption impacts. Intervention. In this study, we developed and implemented a digital game to explore its potential to raise awareness of the consumption and conservation of FEW resources and the efficacy of conservation messages. This study aims to measure learning outcomes from game participation and to assess the suitability of the game for informing resource conservation actions. Methods. We tested a proof-of-concept of a digital four-player game, called HomeRUN, with 28 homeowners. The data collected include homeowners’ values and preferences with regard to FEW resources. The patterns of game actions are analyzed with an emphasis on the effectiveness of conservation messaging in informing household consumption behavior. Results. About 65% of the respondents agree that they gained a better understanding of the greenhouse gas emission impacts of FEW resource consumption after playing the game. Over 57% of the respondents agree that the game experience would influence their future consumption behavior, while a quarter of the respondents are unsure. Overall, we demonstrate the HomeRUN game has potential as a tool for informing conservation efforts at a household level.

Online ordering and delivery of ready-to-eat foods in Ghana: a call for policy towards ensuring food safety in the service

Changes in food consumption patterns have resulted in the high demand and patronage of online food ordering and delivery services in Ghana. The attention of every individual involved in the food chain is needed to ensure food safety. Since a food delivery service and person are introduced in online food ordering and delivery services, new and unique food safety challenges and concerns are created. This paper hence investigates the food safety concerns and challenges posed by online food ordering and delivery services and further provide solutions to tackle and improve food safety in the service. Additional concerns raised by food ordering and delivery services include an absence of food transport or delivery regulation in Ghana, a lack of food safety education and training for food delivery persons as well as food fraud actions like mislabeling and substitution. To boost food safety in online food ordering and delivery services, the service should be regulated by the Ghana FDA with policies and manuals that address these food safety concerns. Food meant for delivery should be packaged well to prevent contact with insects and other contaminants. Timely delivery should be a priority to make sure delivered foods are still in the right and safe temperatures for consumption.

Dissecting Supplement and Nutrients Intake of Adults with and without COVID-19 History through the Lens of Health Belief Model.

Over the past two years, the world has faced the pandemic, COVID-19, and various changes. Several regulations and recommendations from the Ministry of Health of Indonesia have contributed to behavioral changes among Indonesian residents, especially in food consumption patterns. The change in food consumption patterns can be a positive change that formed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine whether the application of a Health Belief Model (HBM)-based nutrition education programme can be effectively used in changing the beliefs of adults with or without a COVID-19 history in supplement and nutrient intake. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 140 adults. This study placed 70 adults with/without a COVID-19 history into the intervention group. The intervention group participated in a nutrition education programme. The respondents were asked to fill out the questionnaire. The data were analyzed by independent and paired t-tests and Chi-square test. The result of this study showed no association between perceived susceptibility, severity, benefit, barrier, and self-efficacy, of nutrient and supplement intake with the history of COVID-19 among the respondents. However, most of the respondents in this study were low in their scores of perceivedness. Thus, it is still important for the government to increase nutrient and supplement intake education, especially in young adults aged below 25 years old.

Una aproximación isotópica a la reconstrucción de historias de vida en sitios arqueológicos de la Quebrada de Amaicha del Valle (Tucumán, Argentina)

In this paper, we analyze the changes in food consumption patterns throughout the lives of five individuals (n=5), one subadult and four adults, found in archaeological sites of El Remate, Bajo los Cardones and Finca Cruz. All of them are associated with the Formative period (ca. 2500 - 1000 years B. P.) and are located in the Quebrada de Amaicha (Tucumán, Argentina). We propose an analysis of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition in the dentin of different sections of the same tooth and in different teeth of the five individuals. This approach sheds light on the way in which the characteristics of children’s diets affect their adulthood, as well as providing a more inclusive perspective on consumption patterns in the agropastoralist societies of the study area by integrating young individuals into the analysis. Little intravariation and intervariation was found, with a predominance of food resources framed in the C4 photosynthetic pattern. The exception is an individual, probably female, whose diet was based on C3 resources during the first period of life. This could be the result of the existence of a “childhood diet” or of a change in geographic residence, with both areas being isotopically distinguishable. Finally, we illustrate the methodological steps required to reconstruct life histories through the serial study of human dental pieces. This is a novel approach, which has been applied to human remains from the Argentine Northwest for the first time.

Association between Dental Health Status and Changing Dietary and Lifestyle Patterns among Selected Population of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, India)

Background: The change in food consumption patterns with greater reliance on junk and processed foods is more often related to lifestyle disorders nowadays. Dental health status is a clear indicator of lifestyle choices as well as major changes in the lifestyle. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the dental health status of individuals of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, India) on the basis of their primary dental check-up and the interview-based data. Materials and Methods: A total of 301 individuals (152 males and 149 females) were examined for dental caries, dental plaque, and periodontal diseases among them followed by an interview session inquiring about their dietary intake and lifestyle patterns. The frequency distribution for each state was calculated for each tooth type, and statistical analyses were done. Results: The number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth of each subject resulted in the calculation of average decayed-missing-filled teeth index as 1.5182. The calculated significant caries index and plaque index were found as 3.06 and 1.2872, respectively. The maxillary teeth (59.2% and 43.62% in males and females, respectively) were more affected than the mandibular teeth (37.5% and 47.5% in males and females, respectively). The survey showed that the most affected teeth by caries were first premolars and first molars (22.36% of males and 30.87% of females showed caries in their first premolars; 25% of males and 15.43% of females showed caries in their first molars). Conclusion: The overall dental health status revealed that females had more deteriorated dental health conditions than males, though the difference in the frequencies was not statistically significant. Dietary survey has revealed that their diet includes a high amount of sugar content along with carbonated drinks and junk food.