Nutritional status, knowledge, and associated socio-demographic factors among adolescent girls in the coastal region of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background: Adolescent girls in low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition due to a combination of biological, socio-economic, and environmental factors. In the coastal regions of Bangladesh, these challenges are compounded by frequent natural disasters and pervasive poverty, influencing both undernutrition and overnutrition among this demographic. Aim: This study aims to assess the nutritional status, knowledge, and associated socio-demographic factors among adolescent girls in Bangladesh's coastal regions, focusing on identifying key drivers of malnutrition and areas for intervention. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to July 2024 in Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar. The sample consisted of 345 adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years. Data were collected using structured face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and Stata to explore correlations between nutritional status and socio-demographic factors. Results: The study found a significant prevalence of both undernutrition and overnutrition among participants, with 10.14% underweight and 29.85% either overweight or obese. Nutritional knowledge was generally poor, with less than half of the respondents demonstrating a good understanding of dietary needs. Parental education, especially maternal, was significantly associated with better nutritional outcomes. Larger and joint family structures were correlated with higher rates of overweight and obesity. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted nutritional education programs in Bangladesh's coastal regions. Enhancing maternal education, strengthening family involvement in dietary practices, and addressing environmental challenges through sustainable agricultural initiatives are crucial for improving the nutritional health of adolescent girls in these areas