ABSTRACT
Changes in the nutrient intake combined with increasing sedentary life style and urbanization
contribute to the emergence of chronic disease as a major health risk. This study assessed nutritional
status, physical activity, dietary pattern and micronutrient status of adolescents attending Secondary
School in Jos South Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. A cross-sectional study was
conducted using 588 adolescents attending Private and Public Secondary Schools of Jos South LGA
between September and December 2014. Data on demographic characteristics were collected using
semi-structured, pretested questionnaires. Measurements of weight and height were made using
standardized weighing scales and standiometer respectively. Adolescent Body Mass Index-for-Age
was compared with WHO (2007) growth reference. Dietary pattern and micronutrient status were
accessed using standard methods. Results obtained showed mean Age, BMI and Waist/ Hip ratio
were 16.09 years, 21.05Â2.65 and 0.81Â0.06 respectively. General prevalence of Overweight was
high (11.22 %), particularly among the Private Secondary School girls (19.01%). Majority of the
adolescents (57.99 %) had a fairly low Physical Activity Level and Private Secondary School boys
showed the highest frequency (64.23%). Dietary pattern of the adolescents showed weekly intake of
all types of food from "4 to 6 times" to "7 or more times" below 50 percent, except for bread,
cereals, tubers and other carbohydrate based foods. Mean PCV, serum iron, zinc and copper for the
Private Secondary School Adolescents were 38.71 percent, 96.15Âg /dl, 86.31Âg /dl and 84.44 Âg /dl
respectively. A percentage of 9.68 %, 16.13 % and 19.35 % adolescents recorded low values for
serum iron, zinc and copper respectively when compared to reference ranges for iron, zinc and
copper. The results obtained showed a prevalence of overweight and a fairly low physical activity
particularly among the Girls. Consumption of cereals, tubers, pasta and other carbohydrate based
foods was high while mean serum values for Iron, Zinc and Copper for the Private Secondary School
adolescents were within the normal ranges. Results of this study emphasize the need for educational
interventions which should include increased exercise and Physical Activity at early ages involving
the whole family that will promote optimal nutritional status and wellbeing.
