By Enwere, N. J
The study was carried out to determine the knowledge of food and consumption pattern of some youth participants in the 2003 Rohi Youth Leadership Camp using 61 respondents. The study revealed that 60.66% of the participants were teenagers aged between 16 and 20 years, consisting of 55.74% males and 42.62% females. Majority had completed their secondary education. The percentage of respondents who liked very much and consumed meat ( beef, chicken, turkey), rice, beans, plantain, yam and okpa, were 93.44%, 75.41%, 40.98%, 54.46%, 44.26%, 31.15%, respectively. Only few liked and consumed fruits and vegetables. Some consumed coffee and cola nuts to keep awake. Some avoided certain foods to manage their weight Many (59.02%) of the
respondents were aware of the health implication of foods they consumed. None of the respondents knew the nutrient contents and functions of all the foods he consumed. As a group they had a good knowledge of the major nutrients in the food they consumed. The diets of the youths studied were likely to be deficient in vitamins and minerals, which are the micronutrients in fruits and vegetables. To ensure adequate nutrition and health, there is need to educate the youths on the importance of fruits and vegetables in the diet
as strategy for long term good health outcomes for the family.