title: Evaluation of dietary quality of adolescents using Healthy Eating Index.
abstract: The aim of this study was to use the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) to assess diet quality and determine the relationship between the HEI-2005 and the energy and nutrient intakes of adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,104 healthy adolescents, mean age of 15.8 ± 1.24 years. Dietary intake was measured with the 24-hour dietary recall method, and dietary quality was assessed by means of the HEI-2005. Diet quality scores ranged from 23.7 to 77.5. The mean score was found to be 51.5 ± 9.07 according to the HEI-2005. There were no differences according to gender; 42.8% had a poor diet and 57.2% had a diet that needs improvement. No subjects had a "good diet". Lower mean subgroup scores were found for whole grains, total vegetables, total fruits, dairy products, and meat and beans. Fruits and vegetables scores were significantly high in girls, whereas sodium, oil, and meat and beans scores were significantly high in boys. Total HEI-2005 scores were increasingly associated with parental education level when age and gender were adjusted. There was a negative correlation between HEI-2005 scores and age, total energy intake, and fat intake. Positive correlation was only observed in the HEI-2005 scores for protein and dietary fibre intakes. Consequently, the overall diet quality and nutritional habits of Turkish adolescents need modification and improvement. In the family, measures should be initiated by the government, including advertisements and campaigns.
authors: Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Besevler, Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Nilufer
authors: N
authors: Acar Tek
authors: Hilal
authors: H
authors: Yildiran
authors: Gamze
authors: G
authors: Akbulut
authors: Saniye
authors: S
authors: Bilici
authors: Eda
authors: E
authors: Koksal
authors: Makbule
authors: M
authors: Gezmen Karadag
authors: Nevin
authors: N
authors: Sanlıer