[Frequency of high-fat and low-fiber diets among adolescents].
OBJECTIVE
To describe the frequency and associated factors of high-fat and low-fiber diets among adolescents.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study was carried out in adolescents aged 10-12 years in Pelotas, southern Brazil, in 2004 and 2005. Dietary patterns in the previous 12 months were evaluated using the Block questionnaire comprising 24 food items scored according to the frequency of consumption of high-fat and low-fiber food. In the crude analysis, the prevalence of high-fat and low-fiber diets were compared according to subgroups of independent variables (sex, skin color, socioeconomic condition, maternal schooling and adolescent's nutritional status). In order to adjust for confounders, multivariable analysis using Poisson's regression was carried out for each outcome.


RESULTS
There were 4,452 adolescents included in the study, most of them (83.9%) had low-fiber diets and more than one third (36.6%) had high-fat diets. Socioeconomic condition and maternal schooling were directly associated with consumption of high-fat diets. Adolescents from socioeconomic groups A+B and C had lower prevalence of low-fiber diet.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of low-fiber and high-fat diets was high in this population of adolescents. Public policies targeting the determinants of dietary habits are necessary and urgent.
Neutzling
Marilda Borges
MB
Programa de Pós- graduação em Epidemiologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil. mneutzling@terra.com.br
Araújo
Cora Luiza Pavin
CL
Vieira
Maria de Fátima Alves
Mde F
Hallal
Pedro Curi
PC
Menezes
Ana Maria Baptista
AM
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000502:physiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015930:Diet Records; D004034:Diet Surveys; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004043:Dietary Fiber