A Cross-Sectional Study on Micronutrient Adequacy and Associated Factors among School-Going Adolescent Girls ^†

Abstract

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is also referred as hidden hunger, and it increases the global disease burden. Adolescent girls need nutritional care, and their poor dietary intake leads to micronutrient deficiency and poor maternal outcomes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to assess the micronutrient intake among adolescent girls to plan and promote healthy eating behavior and break the malicious cycle of intergenerational malnutrition. Objective: To assess the micronutrient adequacy and associated factors among school-going adolescent girls. Methodology: A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adolescent girls in the suburban area of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. A simple random-sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic profiles and other factors. The heights and weights of the participants were measured through a standardized method, and their BMI was calculated. Their dietary intake was assessed by taking 24-h recall for three consecutive days, including the weekend. Nutrient adequacy was assessed as the amount of nutrients per 1000 kcal of the participants’ diet that met the critical nutrient density, and it was compared to the observed nutrient densities of the adolescent girls. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 24. Independent t, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-squared tests were used to assess the difference and association between micronutrient densities and different variables. Results: For most micronutrients (iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin C) the observed density was less than that recommended, meaning intake was inadequate. The mean densities of vitamin A, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and potassium were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age, BMI, dietary diversity scores, socioeconomic status, and body image concern. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that micronutrient intake inadequacy among adolescent girls is a public health problem in the study area. Therefore, interventions should be planned with a focus on nutrition-sensitive activities to increase diet diversification and nutrition security among adolescent girls.