AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DIETARY PATTERNS OF ADOLESCENT MALES IN UDENU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ENUGU STATE

Dietary pattern refers to quantities, variety, or combination of different foods and drinks in diets, and the frequency with which they are consumed. The study is a quantitative descriptive survey using a self-administered structured questionnaire among 369 adolescent male students across the public secondary schools in Imilike and Ezimo communities, Udenu L. G. A. of Enugu state.  Using six research questions, the study assessed the consumption of locally consumed foods, processed or convenient foods, beverages, frequency of meal consumption and dietary choices outside the home. Descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard deviation) were used to analyze data, accepting results with a mean cutoff mark of 2.5.  Results were presented with tables in frequencies and percentages. The result showed that 88.1% of the respondents consumed locally prepared meals, 69.1% consumed convenient foods, 72.19% consume alcoholic beverages while 33.3% do not consume coffee and carbonated drinks. The findings also showed that 80% of the adolescents have poor food group combination habit, 60% skipped meals while 80% consumed junks like pies, chips and buns. The study results have a huge health implication for the respondents. Unguarded consumption of processed foods, alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks is unhealthy and may increase the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension in later years.