Consumption of selected foods by adolescents in Gdynia as determinants of health behaviour: a pilot study

The aim of the study was to assess the dietary habits of adolescents aged 15–18 years, including the frequency of consumption of products that are an important source of dietary fibre, saturated fatty acids and products containing nutrients recommended for the prevention of depression, as well as the self-assessment of the study group regarding the frequency of symptoms characteristic of depression, including depression and/or irritability and the ability to concentrate. Purposive group selection was used. The empirical study was conducted in 2022 in a group of adolescents (n = 242) attending secondary schools in Gdynia. Three aspects of dietary behaviour were assessed using the food frequency questionnaire method: 1. Consumption of products that are important sources of dietary fibre; 2. Consumption of products high in saturated fats or important sources of dietary fat; 3. Consumption of selected foods containing nutrients recommended for the prevention of depression. The study results presented are limited by the small sample size and scope of the study. However, the analysis of the consumption of selected food groups by the respondents showed that gender, BMI, and dietary habits have an impact on the type of selected foods consumed by adolescents and, therefore, on the satisfaction of individual nutrient requirements and the occurrence of symptoms characteristic of depression: depression and/or irritability. It is useful and legitimate to carry out research on the nutritional behaviour of adolescents, since there is an established need to take action in the field of health and to pay more attention to the mental and physical state of adolescents and their parents (families).