Nutritional Status of Roma Children Attending Middle School in Turkey

To investigate the nutritional status of Roma children attending middle school, evaluate their energy and nutrient intake with anthropometric measurements, and identify factors affecting their nutrition status. This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and March 2020 with 94 students. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participant children and their parents were evaluated using a questionnaire. Energy and nutrient intakes were determined based on food consumption records taken over two days (one weekday and one weekend day) and evaluated according to the recommendations of the Turkish Dietary Guideline (TUBER). Anthropometric measurements and bioelectrical impedance analyses were undertaken. Physical activity characteristics and levels were also determined. It was determined that 92.6% of the Roma children had a height-for-age z-score within the normal range, and 59.6% had a body mass index-for-age z-score within the normal range. When their physical activity levels (PALs) were evaluated, 52.1% were underactive, and the PAL value was higher in the boys than in the girls (p<0.05). The daily fat intake of the girls was higher than that of the boys (p<0.05). Daily macronutrient intake met the TUBER recommendations. However, vitamin D (24.1%), potassium (39.1%), and calcium (62.5%) intakes did not meet the recommendations. This study showed that Roma children had low PALs and were undernourished in terms of some nutrients.