Dietary Patterns Among 13-17-Years Old School Adolescents: A National Comparison of the Three Geographical Regions in Bolivia

Abstract Introduction Bolivia is considered one to the most biodiverse countries in the world. It has three ecological floors or geographical regions (highlands, plains and valleys) with very different climatic and cultural characteristics. Traditionally dietary patterns varied in each region. Because two-thirds of premature deaths are associated with behaviors that begin in adolescence, understanding dietary patterns among adolescents is important to improving health. The aim of this study was to identify dietary patterns of adolescents in the different geographical regions of Bolivia. Methodology Data were obtained from the World Health Organization’s Global School-based Student Health Survey 2018 that assesses risky behaviors and protective factors in students aged 13 to 17 years old. It uses an observational cross-sectional method and included 7945 adolescents in schools that were representative of all students in this age group in each of the three geographical regions in Bolivia. Results 3.9% of students in Bolivia are food insecure, with the highest percentage in the highlands (4.6%) and the lowest in the plains (3.1%). Adolescents in the highlands consume vegetables and fruits more frequently than adolescents in the plains and valleys. Water consumption in the valleys was 19.6% students who drink 1-3 glasses/d. Dairy consumption ≥2 in 7 days is higher in the highlands and lower in the valleys. Consumption of soft drinks at ≥1 glass per day is 34.3% in the plains and 30.1% in the valleys. Junk food consumption ≥1 in 7 days was 62.0% with a greater presence on the plains at 65.7%. Conclusion The highlands revealed a greater presence of protective factors than the other regions. The valley, despite having greater access to fruits and vegetables, has a greater presence of risky behaviors. Teenagers in the plains have greater exposure to advertising and access to junk food at school.