Mal J Nutr 17(1): 31-41, 2011

Food Preferences and Dietary Intakes of Filipino Adolescents in Metro Manila, The Philippines
Magbuhat, Rizza Marie T¹, Borazon, Elaine Q & Villarino, Blanca J
¹ Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Home Economics, Alonso Hall,
A. Ma. Regidor St., University of the Philippines-Diliman, Diliman Quezon City 1101 Philippines

ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study examined differences in food preferences and dietary intake among male and female Filipino adolescents of different nutritional status as measured by body mass index (BMI). Methods: One hundred and twenty 13-17-year olds from various schools and communities in Metro Manila, The Philippines were selected through quota sampling with BMI, sex and age as criteria. Data on mean dietary intake and food preference were collected using pretested instruments - a 3-day food record and a food preference questionnaire, respectively. Resulting values were analysed using one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni test and Pearson's product-moment and Spearman's correlation using SAS Enterprise Guide version 2. Results: Preference for cereals prepared with added sugar or fat (ρ=0.21, p= .0240), and low fat meat (ρ=0.18, p=0.420) were found to be positively correlated with BMI, while preference for fruits that are high in vitamin A (ρ= -0.18, p=0.430) was negatively correlated with the said variable. Overweight respondents gave lower and significantly different preference scores to donut (p=.02780), banana cue (p=.0489) and mayonnaise (p=.0291). Respondents of different nutritional status also had statistically different intakes of fibre, calcium and phosphorus, corresponding with the positive correlation of fibre (ρ=0.25231, p=0.0054), calcium (ρ=0.2529, p=0.0134) and phosphorus (ρ=0.25887, p=0.0043) intake with BMI. With respect to sex, male respondents gave statistically higher preference for French fries (p=.0370), tofu (p=.0005), garlic (p=.0190) and mussels (p=.0023). Also, males have significantly higher intakes of energy and carbohydrate than female respondents. Conclusion: Results suggest that food preferences should be considered in the nutritional care management of malnourished adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents, dietary intake, food preferences, The Philippines


Download full article