Assessment of Breakfast Consumption Habits and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Learning healthy eating habits in adolescence is an investment in one's current and long-term well-being. This study evaluated the breakfast eating patterns and nutritional condition of adolescents attending secondary schools in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

Materials and Methods: The study's design was cross-sectional and descriptive; 200 adolescent boys and girls were chosen using a multi-stage sample technique. Standard Procedures were used to take anthropometric measurements and a breakfast consumption habit questionnaire was used to gather information about breakfast consumption habits.

Results: The BMI-for-age was computed using WHO Anthro software. 96.5 percent of students eat breakfast, 89.5% report feeling better after eating breakfast in class, and 79% believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Of the evaluated pupils, 2% were obese, 5% were overweight, and 27.5% were underweight.

Conclusion: These results point to the necessity of education and awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of eating breakfast every day.