PECULIARITIES OF THE NUTRITION OF ADOLESCENTS OF THE MELITOPOL MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL COLLEGE OF ZAPORIZHZHYA REGIONAL COUNCIL IN CRISIS CONDITIONS

Abstract

Introduction. Adolescent nutrition is a critical issue that significantly impacts the health and further well-being of the entire nation. Proper and healthy nutrition is essential for ensuring normal growth and development. This include not just physical, but also mental development, and optimal functioning of all organs and systems, formation of immunity and adaptive reserves of the body. It is important to understand the main principles of nutrition of student youth, in particular adolescents, in current critical conditions.

The aim of the study – to analyze the nutrition of junior year students of the communal institution «Melitopol Medical College» of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council and to find ways for developing a conscious attitude to nutrition as a factor in maintaining health and high performance.

The main part. The authors developed a questionnaire, according to which 60 respondents were interviewed, and the results were analyzed. The war changed the lives and nutritional behavior of adolescents. Disparities in dietary experiences were noted between those who were in war zones under occupation, those who became IDPs (internally displaced persons), and those who emigrated or lived in so-called «safe regions.» As a result of the analysis, a notable proportion of the people we investigated have acquired new gastronomic habits and distinctive patterns of eating behavior. Among the surveyed respondents, 44 (73.3 %) were females, and 16 (26.7 %) were males. They were distributed by age as follows: 15–16 years old – 32 (53.3 %) children, 17–18 years old – 28 (46.7 %) respondents. 36 (60.0 %) respondents answered «yes» to the question «has nutrition worsened during the crisis conditions», 24 (40.0 %) respondents answered «no», and to the question «would they like to improve the regime and diet» 47 (78.3 %) teenagers answered «yes», only 13 (21.7 %) answered «no». The calorie of food increased by 37 %, mostly by higher consumption of snacks (pastries, bars, soda, junk food). Impressively, that adolescents consumed fast-food in 50 % higher compared to pre-war period. One-third of children started to decline to eat warm food, such as soups. Moreover, the amount of water per day decreased by 23 %, especially, for adolescents who were closer to frontline or under occupation.

Conclusions. Eating a nutritious diet is vital for maintaining good health, and especially in critical periods of life, because the body is constantly under stress. The physiological capabilities of the adolescent body cannot always withstand the stressful situations in which they find themselves. Therefore, nutrition is the factor that will allow you to cope with crisis conditions and prevent the development of pathologies and disorders.