Abstract

Body Mass Index has been investigated using the traditional regression methods which may not provide a complete picture of the effects of the independent variables when the outcome is continuous and skewed. Information on the nutritional status of vulnerable adolescents in Nigeria is scanty thereby hindering appropriate intervention by policy decision-makers. We investigated the nutritional status of vulnerable adolescents by examining their body mass index (BMI). A cross-sectional survey of vulnerable adolescents, aged 10-17 years was conducted in three local government areas in Rivers state, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on the economic status, means of livelihood and accessibility to education, nutrition and health of the adolescents. Quantile regression models were fitted to the data. About 39% of the 494 adolescents were underweight, 49.8% had normal weight, 5.5% were overweight while 6.1% were obese. Age was a significant predictor of BMI for the males at the 50th quantile. Adolescent males that experienced food insecurity showed lower BMI compared to those who were food secured. Age, sex, food insecurity and household economy were determinants of BMI among vulnerable adolescents.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.