Gender differences in food-related concerns, beliefs and behaviours of North Queensland adolescents

Objective: To describe the beliefs, attitudes, behaviours and knowledge of North Queensland adolescents about food and nutrition. Methodology: A questionnaire surveyed 791 Year 8 students from private schools. Results: More girls than boys felt guilt about food, sometimes ate from boredom, reported trying to select foods that were good for them acid were concerned about the fat content of food; 30% of boys and 17% of girls thought they should be concerned about their food intake only when overweight. Low daily dietary intakes were reported for: bread, fruit, vegetables and dairy products with only 24% eating at least one fruit, one vegetable, one dairy product and one core cereal food daily. Fat and sugar intake was high: 41% students ate high fat savoury foods and 53% ate high sugar foods at least seven times during the week. Parents, television and school provided information about food and nutrition to 70-80% of these students, followed by friends and magazines with doctors and teachers providing information on weight and weight loss to 10% of students. Conclusions: Doctors should be aware of the low intake of recommended foods as well as the high intakes of fat and sugar among adolescents and the gender differences in food related beliefs and behaviours when treating nutrition related diseases and providing guidance for their prevention.