The Association between Dietary Habits, Physical Activities and Family Setting in Adolescent Sickle Cell Disease Patients

Abstract

Introduction:  Poor  dietary  habits  and  physical activities have been reported in adolescents globally but needs to be explored in sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods: This cross-sectional study of dietary habits and physical activities of adolescent SCD patients was undertaken using a semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire.Results: The mean age of the 122 respondents was 15.7±2.3years, of which 51 (41.8%) were males and 77(63%) were from monogamous homes. Overall, 58% of the adolescents had poor dietary habit and 52(42.6%) took breakfast daily while 83 (68%) took carbonated  drink  in  the  seven  days  preceding  the survey.  There  was  no  association  between  the monogamous, polygamous or single parenthood and dietary  habits  (÷2  (2.67),  P=0.26).However, participants who lived with their parents were more likely to have better dietary habits (÷2 (4.6), P=0.03). Participants  who  ate  breakfast  or  vegetables  were less  likely  to  take  carbonated  drinks  (÷2  (6.8), P=0.009; ÷2 (4.64), P=0.03 respectively). About half (52%) engage more in physical activities, eighty-six (70%)  spent  less  than  3hours  watching  TV  daily while eighty-seven (71%) spent 1 day at most playing video  game in a week. Those  in the  monogamous setting  were  more like  to  be  physically  active (6.5),  P=0.038).  Participants  who  exercise  less watched TV more (÷2 (15.9), P<0.001) while those who watch TV played less of video games (÷2 (14.5), P<0.001).Both  parent’s  occupation  and  mothers’ education influenced child’s dietary habits (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary habits and physical  activities of adolescent SCD patients are influenced by their family background