Knowledge-practices regarding a balanced diet and nutrition and its sociodemographic correlates among adolescent girls in Lucknow, India

Unhealthy eating habits are frequently mentioned as contributing factors to the increasing prevalence of malnutrition. Therefore, comprehending the relationship between nutrition knowledge and practices related to balanced diet and nutrition is imperative to help tip these scales. The present study addresses knowledge and practices related to a balanced diet and nutrition among adolescent girls (10–19 years) in Lucknow, India. The study also evaluated the associations of the knowledge levels of adolescent girls with sociodemographic factors and practices according to age group. A school-based, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 472 participants via a self-constructed and validated questionnaire. The results were analyzed via the chi-square test via SPSS version 22. Out of 472 adolescent girls, only 69 (14.6%) demonstrated an adequate knowledge level regarding balanced diet and nutrition. Knowledge levels improved with increasing age, with late adolescents (15–19 years) showing better awareness than younger adolescents (10–14 years). A significant association was observed between knowledge levels (KLs) and sociodemographic factors such as mother's education (χ2 = 69.37, p = 0.000), father’s education (χ2 = 75.42, p = 0.000), and family income (χ2 = 58.93, p = 0.000). However, no significant association was found with type of family (χ2 = 1.232, p = 0.001).The majority reported acceptable practices where 189 (40.0%) brought lunch from home, 187 (39.6%) ate from the school canteen, 180 (38.1%) ate out weekly, and 123 (26.1%) assisted in cooking. Age-specific differences were notable—75 younger adolescents did not bring lunch, 64 late adolescents consumed more canteen food, 55 younger adolescents ate out more frequently, and 49 late adolescents assisted in cooking weekly. Fried food was the most preferred across age groups (n = 152), though not statistically significant (χ2(6) = 8.18, p = 0.225). Overall, the study concluded that the knowledge level was below average. While general practices were acceptable, unacceptable practices were found with respect to the age groups. A strong correlation with sociodemographics (other than type of family) highlights calls for education and awareness programs and community empowerment.