Diet and Personal Hygiene of Adolescents in a Rural Area

Abstract

Background: A healthy diet and adequate personal hygiene are essential factors for good health. Adolescents gradually achieve a degree of autonomy in these areas. The aim of the study is to tind out the diet and hygiene habits of adolescerita in Navalcarnero, a rural town in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (Spain). Methods: A descriptive study of a cross section of the relevant population, by previously validated, self-completed and anonymous questionnaire, filled in by adolescents (3º BUP/ESO/FP) in by l3- and 14-year old school children (EGB ) The diet survey assessed the weekly consumption frequency of dtfferent foodstuffs. Resztlts: The respondents normally had mtlk and cocoa for breakfast, with toast or a bun. Lunch was more abundant than the evening meal, and more fruit was consumed more often in the former. Most of the children drank milk every day, usually in its natural state, but in two out of three cases, the consumptton of dairy products was not as recommended. vegetable consumption was low. Among the children of BUP / ESO / FP, the girls consumed greens, salad, fiuit and sliced bread more often, this difference being particularly marked in the case of the bread. and the boys consumed considerably more meat and bread of the French-stick kind. With respect to personal hygiene. most of them have a shower and wash thetr hair every two or three days and brush their teeth and change their underwear on a daily ha&; the girls proved to be much more assiduous in having a shower. brushing their teeth and changing their underwear. Conclusions. In some areas. behaviour as regards diet and hygiene shows differences depending on the sex of the individual. certain habits ought to be improved upon.