Evaluating Diet Adequacy Using Healthy Eating Index-2005 in 13-17-Year-Old Students in Isfahan, Iran, in 2014

In addition to providing nutritional needs of the body for the purpose of physical and cognitive development, proper nutrition during adolescence is effective in protecting the person’s future health and preventing obesity in adulthood. The present study was conducted for the first time in Iran with the aim of determining the adequacy of diet using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005 in 13-17-year-old students in Isfahan, Iran, in 2014.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on a cross-sectional basis. Data related to nutritional status of participants was collected using a three-day food record. A valid standard questionnaire was used to measure physical activity. Dietary intake, daily energy, and nutrients were recorded using Nutritionist software. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regression via SPSS software. Findings: The mean score of HEI in adolescents was obtained 72.67 which was not favorable. There was a significant association between the two variables of mother's job and calorie intake with the score of HEI (P < 0.05).

The diet quality of the most adolescents needs change and modification. Therefore, in order to improve the quality of their diet, some methods are needed to modify the nutritional habits of adolescents, including educational programs and advertisements