Energy and nutrient intakes in relation to sex and socio-economic status among school adolescents in urban Cameroon, Africa

Abstract

Objective: To assess energy and nutrient intakes and physical activity of adolescents in urban Cameroon according to sex and socio-economic status (SES).

Design: Cross-sectional study with adolescents randomly selected from schools in low-, middle- and high-SES areas. Weight and height were measured and information about food intake and physical activity was obtained through repeated individual 24 h recalls. Under- and over-reporting of energy intake and inadequacy of nutrient intake were assessed.

Setting: Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Subjects: Boys and girls aged 12-16 years (n 227).

Results: Boys had a lower BMI and reported higher energy expenditures and physical activity levels (PAL) than girls. Under-reporting of energy intake was large among boys and girls regardless of PAL; boys under-reported more than girls. Among those with low PAL, over-reporting of energy intake was common. Over 50% of boys and girls had protein below the recommendations. The intake of fat varied; 26% of the adolescents were below and 25% were above the recommendations. Inadequate intakes of vitamin B₁, vitamin B₃ and Fe were more common among girls, while boys more often had inadequate intake of vitamin A. Adolescents with low SES were more likely to be below the recommendations for fat and vitamins B₂, B₃, B₆ and B₁₂ than those with high SES.

Conclusions: A high proportion of boys and girls reported inadequate intakes. However under- and over-reporting were also very common. Boys under-reported energy intake more than girls and inadequate nutrient intake was more frequently reported by adolescents with low SES than by those with high SES.