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. 2023 Oct 30;42(1):116.
doi: 10.1186/s41043-023-00463-6.

Breakfast patterns in relation to physical activity among school adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan

Mehak Muhammad Ashfaq  1 , Nida Jawed  2 , Nilofer Fatimi Safdar  2 , Adnan Ahmed Bhutto  3
Affiliations

Breakfast patterns in relation to physical activity among school adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan

Mehak Muhammad Ashfaq et al. J Health Popul Nutr. .

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy habits and poor diet patterns are significant concerns among adolescents, impacting their overall quality of life. This study aimed to assess and improve these habits in adolescents.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2017-2018 in Karachi. The research participants, aged 11-17 years, were drawn from lower-middle-income secondary schools using multistage random selection. Sociodemographics, the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A), and breakfast consumption were determined through questionnaire and a food frequency survey.

Results: A study of 334 school-going adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan, found that 82% consumed breakfast daily, with chapatti being the preferred choice (72.2%). Physical activity levels varied, but 56.6% engaged in regular activity. No significant differences were found in breakfast consumption by age or parental education.

Conclusions: Understanding South Asian adolescents' breakfast habits is crucial. Promoting healthier breakfast options and increased physical activity are recommended for long-term well-being, with further research needed for targeted interventions.

Keywords: Adolescents; Breakfast; Eating behaviour; Physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors of this article declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A bar chart with a green bar representing 82% of individuals who consume breakfast, and a yellow bar representing 17.96% who do not
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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