ABSTRACT

The study aimed to assess breakfast habit and its relationship with nutritional status of 376 randomly selected adolescents, aged 10-19 years in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. In this cross-sectional study, data were obtained on the students’ personal information, dietary habit, usual breakfast eating habit, nutrition knowledge and foods eaten at breakfast using a structured questionnaire. Weights and heights were measured obtained by direct measurements following standard procedures. The body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight/height (kg/m2), was used in assessing the nutritional status of the students. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (such as frequency and percentages) and cross tabulation. Chi square test were used to determine the relationship between nutritional status and breakfast consumption. From the result, 50.8% were between the ages of 12-15 years, 73.4% live with their parents, 31.1% skipped breakfast, 22.6% consumed rice and stew at breakfast. About 60.4% ate breakfast at home, 36.7% ate breakfast between 6am-7am daily. Some (45.5%) had average knowledge of nutrition. Mean height-for-age was significantly higher in males (p=0.006), while females had higher mean MUAC (0.011). Non-breakfast eaters had higher height-for-age (-0.97) compared to breakfast eaters. Nutrition education on the importance of breakfast consumption should be carried out in other secondary schools in Nigeria.