Abstract
Introduction: The right to adequate food is protected in international human rights law, yet millions of people are suffering from malnutrition worldwide. Children and adolescents living in children s homes are considered a vulnerable group. Malnutrition in the girl child is of particular concern since it has intergenerational consequences. Little is known about the nutritional status of adolescent girls living in children s homes in Kampala City, Uganda. A cross-sectional study is an important first step to identify the main nutritional challenges in order to intervene appropriately. Aim: The main aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of adolescent girls in children s homes in Kampala City, by evaluating anthropometric indicators, assessing body composition and investigating dietary patterns. Subjects and methods: A total of 44 girls aged 10 – 19 years living at five children s homes participated in the study. A reference group consisted of 27 adolescent girls from three boarding schools in Kampala City. Height and weight were measured to assess the proportion of girls who were stunted, thin, overweight or obese. Body composition data was obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Dietary intake was evaluated with a Food Frequency Questionnaire, calculation of dietary diversity score (DDS) and a 24-hour dietary recall. Results: Adolescent girls in selected children s homes in Kampala City suffered from stunting, overweight or obesity, and were at risk of insufficient intakes of multiple micronutrients and essential fatty acids. Dietary diversity was low with a median score of 3 out of 9 food groups. Animal products were rarely consumed. Children s home participants appeared especially at risk of inadequate intake of vitamins A, B12, C, D, E and calcium. Median estimated intake of vitamins B12 and D were zero. The adequacy of the diet in terms of energy, macronutrients and micronutrients varied among the different children s homes, and within the various homes. At two of the children s homes the girls consumed a more adequate diet compared to the reference group, whereas three homes consumed a less adequate diet compared to the reference group. Conclusion: Malnutrition was apparent among children s home participants, manifested as stunting, overweight or obesity. The girls are likely to suffer from inadequate intake of essential fatty acids and multiple micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin B12.