DIFFERENCES IN THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS FROM URBAN AND RURAL AREAS OF MONTENEGRO

Abstract

The nutritional status and the level of physical activity are very important components in the period of adolescence, and they can vary by type of settlement. Consequently, the aim of this research is to assess the differences in nutritional status and the level of physical activity among adolescents by type of settlement. This research includes 241 adolescents of both sexes in the territory of the municipality of Niksic, with a mean age of 15.7±0.5. The variables BMI, WHtR, and BF% were used to assess the nutritional status, while the PAQ-C questionnaire was used to assess the level of physical activity. Differences in the nutritional status by type of settlement were assessed using the Chi-square test with a statistical significance p≤0.05, while the differences in the level of physical activity were assessed using the T-test with a statistical significance p≤0.05. Statistical analysis was accomplished by SPSS 23.0 software. Results show, that for WHtR values, 11.1% of male and 18% of female adolescents were obese. Differences in nutritional status were not found by type of settlement. For values of physical activity, male adolescents had a score of 2.6±0.6, and female adolescents 2±0.6. Male adolescents didn't show differences in the level of physical activity by type of settlement, while female adolescents who lived in rural areas showed a lower level of physical activity during physical education lessons (p=0.031), short breaks (p=0.034), and lunchtime (p=0.013). It is necessary to raise awareness about the importance of nutritional status and level of physical activity in both urban and rural areas.