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Abstract

Background: This study was conducted to examine the dietary intakes of macro- and micronutrients for Jordanian adolescents based on gender and compare their intake to the Dietary Recommended Intakes (DRIs). Methods: A sample of 398 male and female adolescents, aged 14-18 years, was recruited from private and public schools using convenience sampling. Sociodemographic questionnaire and 3-days food record were self-reported. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. Results: There were no significant differences between male and female adolescents regarding the intake of micro and macronutrients except for protein, insoluble fibre, saturated fat, cholesterol, omega-6, vitamin E and calcium. The intake of insoluble fibre (g/day), omega-6(g/day), and vitamin E (mg/day) was significantly higher in female adolescents (3.1�±0.1, 5.6�±0.5, and 3.1�±0.3, respectively, Pâ�¤0.05) compared to male adolescents (2.9�±0.1, 5.1�±0.4, and 2.5�±0.2, respectively, Pâ�¤0.05). On the other hand, the intakes of protein (g/day), saturated fat (g/day), cholesterol (mg/day), calcium (mg/day) were significantly higher in male adolescents (90.1�±2.3, 31.7�±1.0, 339.2�±18.3, and 651.5�±27.8) as compared with female adolescents (79.2�±2.1, 29.2�±1.2, 263.6�±14.9, and 555.2�±21.7) (Pâ�¤ 0.05). Comparing of the adolescentsâ�� nutrients intake to the DRIs, many nutrients were found to be below or above the recommendations. Conclusion: The study findings highlighted that there is an urgent need to establish a plan of action to combat malnutrition among adolescents in Jordan.

Biography

Thanaa Jaraedah has her expertise in evaluation and passion in community health like: schools nutrition, refugee’s camps, pregnant health, her phD thesis was about the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food and Nutrition Security and Dietary Habits among Syrian Women in Azarq and Zaatari Refugees Camps in Jordan. in addition to she worked with NGOs to help refugees.