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

Abstract

Background
Adolescent 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.
Objective
To identify sociodemographic factors associated with nutrient adequacy among adolescent girls
attending public secondary schools in both urban and rural areas of Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods
A 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.
Results
Keeping 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.
Conclusion
Critical micronutrient deficiencies, particularly calcium, folate, and vitamin C, were pervasive
among adolescent girls in this district, regardless of residential
setting, and were associated with maternal occupational status.