BS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Factors affecting the Food Choices of Adolescents with Down Sydrome Aged 10-19 Years Old

Adviser

Recylyn I. Bayna-Mariano, RND, MSc

Food choice is vital in improving the diet quality and nutritional status of individuals. However, despite the evidence-based risks of developing health complications of individuals with DS, limited studies are available regarding this population. According to Brown (2016), adolescence encompasses increase in height and weight, changes in body composition, and accumulation of skeletal mass which consequently directly affect their nutrition requirements. Consumption of foods more or less than the recommended amounts for long periods can cause poor nutritional and health status, hence, can lead to the development of chronic diseases and even death. To formulate appropriate nutrition interventions necessary in improving the health outcomes and maximizing the quality of life of adolescents with DS, food choices and its factors are needed to be considered. The food choice motives, nutrition knowledge (NK), and dietary habits (DH) of fifty-six (56) adolescents with DS (mean age = 14.5) were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires accomplished by the primary caregivers of recruited subjects. The study revealed that Sensory Appeal (mean = 2.919) was the most influential factor in their food choices, followed by Mood (mean = 2.900), while the least influential being the Ethical Concern (mean = 2.315). Convenience, Sensory Appeal, and Health strongly affects their DH (p < 0.05) while no specific contributing factor was found influential in relation to their NK. Their school enrollment benefits their nutrition knowledge (and vice versa) (p = .032). It was also revealed that the higher nutrition knowledge, the more favorable dietary habits (and vice versa) (p = .000). Utilization of qualitative approaches such as interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs), as well as more detailed methods such as multiple 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), are recommended to acquire in-depth understanding behind the respondents’ food choices and their contributing factors.

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