article · Asian Journal of Medicine and Health
This study investigated protein intake adequacy and nutritional status among 365 early adolescents aged 10-14 years in Ife Central LGA, Osun State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional design, researchers collected data on dietary patterns, socio-demographics, and anthropometry. Findings revealed that most participants (94.0%) had adequate protein intake. However, various forms of malnutrition coexisted, including underweight (6.6%), overweight (8.8%), obesity (2.5%), and stunting (8.2%). Protein adequacy was not significantly associated with BMI-for-age. Crucially, socioeconomic status significantly influenced nutritional outcomes, with adolescents from higher social classes showing better nutritional indices. The research concludes that while protein intake is generally satisfactory, socioeconomic factors are more critical determinants of nutritional status in this group.
This research provides specific data on adolescent nutrition in a Nigerian context, highlighting that adequate protein intake does not guarantee overall good nutritional status. It underscores the critical role of socioeconomic factors in adolescent health, informing targeted public health policies and interventions to combat malnutrition and achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2.
The abstract discusses public health concerns and policy development, recommending interventions like promoting balanced diets, increasing food diversity, and reducing socioeconomic inequalities. It does not indicate a direct commercialisation pathway, specific product, or service, nor does it suggest a readiness level for market application. The findings are primarily for informing public health policy and intervention programmes.
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Background: Adolescence is a vital period of growth and development that requires adequate nutrition to support both physical and mental maturation. Inadequate protein intake and poor nutritional status remain public health concerns in developing countries. Aim: This study examined whether early adolescents in the Ife Central Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria, met their protein requirements, assessed their nutritional status, and identified the factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 adolescents aged 10–14 years, selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and a 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric data were assessed using WHO AnthroPlus software to evaluate nutritional indices. Protein adequacy was determined based on the estimated average requirement (EAR) and recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants (94.0%) had adequate protein intake. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, obesity, and stunting was 6.6%, 8.8%, 2.5%, and 8.2%, respectively, indicating the coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition. There was no significant association between protein adequacy and BMI-for-age (p = 0.060). Socioeconomic status significantly affected nutritional outcomes, with adolescents from higher social classes displaying better nutritional indices. Conclusion: The findings indicate that early adolescents in Ife Central LGA generally have satisfactory protein intake, although some forms of malnutrition remain. Socioeconomic factors had a greater influence on nutritional status than protein intake alone. This study highlights the importance of focusing on early adolescents—an often-overlooked group in national nutrition research—and provides context-specific data for policy development and intervention efforts. Emphasising balanced diets, increasing food diversity, and reducing socioeconomic inequalities are important steps towards maintaining adolescent nutritional health and progressing towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
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DOI: 10.9734/ajmah/2026/v24i91429
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