Nutritional status and dietary practices of adolescent refugees in Adjumani district

Abstract

A case study was conducted among the adolescent refugees from South Sudan in Adjumani district to investigate their nutritional status and dietary practices A cross sectional survey was conducted utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods through sampling of adolescents from three refugee settlements (Ayilo, Maaji and Mungula). Pretested questionnaires were used to collect data from 50 respondents from each settlement. SPSS was used to clean and analyse the data. Frequencies and chi-square were the methods used to present the data. From the study, most of the respondents (74%) had a normal nutritional status using BMI for age Z score >-2<+2 and also a high number of respondents (84%) had normal MUAC readings (>18.5 cm for adolescents from 11 years to 14 years, >21.0 for adolescents aged 15- 17 years and >22 for adolescents aged 18-19). Respondents (46%) failed to meet their daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings. This was attributed to the high cost of fruits and vegetables. Occupation impacted on respondents' dietary diversity which could be attributed to the fact that most of them were students. This can be attributed to the nutritional education they underwent. The study shows the poor health and nutritional status among the adolescents. Periodical concerted efforts towards their nutrition along with focused health education will improve the health and nutritional status of these adolescents.