Macronutrient intake inadequacy and associated factors among school adolescent girls in Meshenti, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: 24-h recall

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed macronutrient intake and associated factors among school adolescent girls in Meshenti, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 7 to 23 February 2020, among 401 randomly selected adolescent girls. Macronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall with portion size estimation. Nutrient data were analysed with Elizabeth Stewart Hands and Associates FOOD PROCESSOR software and compared with WHO/FAO recommendations - 2200 kcal for energy and 34-46 g for protein. Factors associated with inadequate macronutrient intake were identified using multivariable logistic regression. SETTING: The study was conducted in an institutional setting. PARTICIPANTS: This study was conducted among school adolescent girls. RESULTS: The median (IQR) energy intake was 2040·23 (1648·24-2744·51), and the mean (sd) protein intake was 63·88 (20·99). About 57·6 % (95 % CI: 52·9, 62·8 %) had inadequate energy intake, and 18·5 % (95 % CI: 14·7, 22·2 %) had inadequate protein intake. Inadequate energy intake was associated with dietary diversity (AOR = 4·31, 95 % CI: 2·20, 8·47), knowledge (AOR = 2·10, 95 % CI: 1·34, 3·28) and meal frequency (AOR = 2·5, 95 % CI: 1·06, 5·95). Factors linked to inadequate protein intake included early adolescence (AOR = 1·89, 95 % CI: 1·08, 3·31), residency (AOR = 0·27, 95 % CI: 0·15, 0·48), dietary diversity (AOR = 3·28, 95 % CI: 1·08, 9·98), knowledge (AOR = 1·82, 95 % CI: 1·04, 3·19) and meal frequency (AOR = 2·94, 95 % CI: 1·35, 6·37). CONCLUSION: This study revealed high inadequate energy and protein intake. Contributing factors included dietary diversity, knowledge and meal frequency, with age and residence affecting protein intake. Emphasis is needed on early adolescent girls' nutrition education.