Comparison of nutritional status and related factors among pupiles aged 11-14 year olds in public and private schools of Damghan (2005)

Introduction: Adolescence is one of the most important stages of human growth when the algorithm of nutritional needs establishes. This study aws carried out since there is not available any comprehensive and reliable data about nutritional status and related affecting factors in pupiles who study in the public and private schools of Iran especially in Damghan. Materials and Methods: The present study as a cross-sectional and descriptive study, was performed on 300 pupiles aged 11-14 years old in both public and private schools of Damghan. The questionnaire was composed of four parts: demographic information, weight and height measurements, diet and physical activity. Results: Wasting, natural, overweight and obesity were respectively observed in 10%, 79%, 7% and 4% of pupiles in public schools, while they were respectively 6%, 73%, 16% and 5% for pupiles in private schools (p=0.04). The observed differences were not dependent on sex (p=0.19). Regression analysis showed that the differences in nutritional status can be explained by intake of vitamins B2, B12, as well as intake of daily energy and chocolate in these two types of schools. Conclusion: Wasting in public schools and overweight and obesity in private schools were the nutritional problems of adolescents in Damghan, which must be controlled. In addition, The observed differences in these two types of schools (as a means of different socio-economic status), which were explained by the related factors (different intake of B2, B12, energy and chocolate) could be similarly seen in many adolescents in all over Iran.