Dietary habits and lifestyle among adolescents in Damascus, Syria.

INTRODUCTION Dietary and lifestyle behaviours among adolescents are risk factors for several chronic diseases in adulthood. OBJECTIVE To examine the differences in dietary habits and lifestyle between male and female adolescents in Syria. MATERIALS AND METHOD A cross-sectional multi-stage stratified sampling study was carried out on adolescents, 15-18-years-old, in Damascus, Syria. The total sample selected was 365 (178 males and 187 females). Data were collected with a pretested questionnaire. RESULTS There were significant differences between males and females in the frequency of intake of vegetables, milk and dairy products, red meat, sugary beverages and fast foods. Females were more likely to skip breakfast than males (52.4% vs. 43%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Males were significantly more likely to consume larger portions of fast foods and soft drinks. Significant differences were found between genders in eating while watching television, hours using Internet, practicing physical activity and emotional eating. CONCLUSION A significant variation between male and female Syrian adolescents in their food habits and lifestyle was observed. Interventions should consider the gender differences to promote a healthy lifestyle for schoolchildren in Syria.