Assessment of Eating Habits of Adolescents According to Body Mass Index in Primary Health Care Centers in Iraq/Thi-Qar

The study examines eating habits among adolescents in Al-Nasr sector, Dhi Qar, Iraq, emphasizing the critical role of adolescence in shaping long-term nutritional behaviors. Despite global efforts, limited research addresses dietary habits in this region. The study aims to assess eating patterns based on body mass index (BMI) and explore their association with demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, weight, and height. A sample of 120 adolescents with nutritional health concerns was selected from various healthcare centers using predefined criteria. Results revealed that 53.3% of participants were males, 81.6% aged 17-19 years, and 93.3% had secondary education. Nearly half (45%) had normal BMI, while 50.8% displayed moderate dietary habits. Findings suggest limited nutritional awareness, with over half of male and one-third of female adolescents lacking essential dietary knowledge. The study underscores the need for targeted nutritional education to prevent diet-related health issues and promote healthier eating behaviors among adolescents.