ASSESSING DIETARY HABITS AMONG PREPARATORY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN KARBALA CITY / 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescents face growing global health risks from unhealthy eating behaviors, and Iraq is no exception. Years of conflict, economic pressures, and social change have altered the diets of Iraqi teenagers, leading to both undernutrition and rising levels of overweight and obesity. However, limited studies have examined these trends in stable urban areas. This study assessed the dietary habits and nutritional status of secondary preparatory school students in Karbala City and explored their associations with lifestyle factors. Method: A school-based cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted from 8 April to 30 May 2025 in governmental secondary preparatory schools for males and females. A culturally adapted, self-administered questionnaire based on FAO guidelines was used to evaluate dietary habits, meal patterns, physical activity, and related behaviors. Height and weight were measured using WHO-standardized procedures, and BMI-for-age was classified using WHO growth charts. Results: Of 600 distributed questionnaires, 493 students (53.8% male, 46.2% female; aged 16–19 years) participated. BMI results showed 20.3% underweight, 65.1% normal weight, 7.7% overweight and 6.9% obese. High consumption of white bread, snacks, and caffeinated drinks was common, while nutrient-dense foods such as fish and whole grains were rarely consumed. Breakfast skipping, inadequate water intake—especially among females—and high screen time were also prominent. Physical inactivity showed a strong relationship with obesity (p<0.001). Conclusion: The study highlights concerning dietary and lifestyle patterns among adolescents in Karbala. Comprehensive, culturally appropriate school-based nutrition programs and supportive policies are urgently needed to improve adolescent health in Iraq.