Knowledge And Attitude Of Healthy Eating Habits Among Secondary School Adolescents (10 -19) In Umuahia North, Abia State:- George, Doris O

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage marked by physical and emotional changes, where individuals seek identity and peer acceptance, and experience increased energy and nutritional needs, often leading to conflicts with parents. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthy eating habits among secondary school adolescents in Umuahia North LGA, Abia State. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA), Abia State, Nigeria. The sample comprised secondary school adolescents aged 10 to 19 years in Umuahia North LGA. Using Cochran’s formula, the minimum sample size was calculated to be approximately 208 adolescents to accommodate potential dropouts. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed: first, the study area was purposively selected; then, four schools (two public and two private) were randomly chosen. From each school, 52 adolescents were randomly selected from class registers, culminating in a total of 208 participants. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, which included socio-demographic information and nutrition-related questions. The nutrition knowledge was assessed via a 9-question scale, and dietary quality was evaluated using an adapted Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23, which included descriptive statistics for socio-economic data and dietary patterns, as well as Chi-square tests to explore relationships between variables. The result of the study examined the socioeconomic characteristics, micronutrient knowledge, and food consumption pattern among 208 adolescents in the southeastern part of Nigeria. The research revealed significant insights into nutritional awareness and dietary habits. According to the study, majority were aged 15-19 years (53.9%), 89.9% were Christians, (79.5%) were of Igbo majority, highest proportion of respondents were in JSS1-JSS3 (51.4%). Nutritional knowledge and limited understanding ofmicronutrient, consumption offruits (30.8%, rarely) consumption of vegetables and animal products (meat, fish, egg, chicken) 35.6% and 28.4%. However, significant knowledge were persisted with many respondent unable to identify the Importance of these nutrients or their sources. Food consumption pattern showed that 31.7% sugary products (sweets, candies, chocolates) were commonly consumed. Social economic factors had a weak correlation with nutritional awareness and food consumption. This findings highlights the need for improved nutritional education and accessibility to nutrient-rich foods. The study iecommends in advocating for engaging and culturally relevant nutrition education programs in schools, using interactive methods like games and cooking demonstrations, supported by local health professionals.