Nutrient intake adequacy and its sociodemographic determinants among female adolescents in urban and rural secondary schools in Ogun, Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundAdolescent girls constitute a nutritionally vulnerable group whose dietary deficiencies have lifelong implications, including intergenerational risks for maternal and child health. In Nigeria, evidence on the adequacy of nutrient intake and its related sociodemographic factors at the sub-regional level remains scarce.ObjectiveTo identify sociodemographic factors associated with nutrient adequacy among adolescent girls attending public secondary schools in both urban and rural areas of Ogun State, Nigeria.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted during the dry season among 206 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years, recruited through probability sampling from four public high schools. Dietary intake was assessed using a single 24-hour dietary recall and compared with the RDA. NAR and MAR were computed for twenty nutrients. Anthropometric indices were classified using the WHO 2007 Growth Reference Standards. Chi-square and Fisher's Exact Test were used to examine associations between sociodemographic variables and nutrient adequacy at p < 0.05.ResultsKeeping in mind the low availability of fruits and vegetables at the time of the survey, overall nutrient intake adequacy was low, with more than half of the assessed nutrients falling below recommended thresholds. Calcium was the most critically deficient nutrient, with every participant failing to meet the recommended intake. Vitamin E, vitamin C, iron, and folate adequacy declined with advancing age. Maternal occupation was associated with the adequacy of folate, iron, and zinc intake, whereas residential area influenced only copper intake. Copper intake was excessive, with the urban median slightly exceeding the Upper Limit of 10mg, but some students consumed up to three times this amount.ConclusionCritical micronutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium, folate, and vitamin C, were pervasive among adolescent girls in this district, regardless of residentialsetting, and were associated with maternal occupational status.