Nutrition knowledge and nutritional status among adolescent girls in urban and rural areas of Kano State, Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to assess and compare the nutrition knowledge and nutritional status of adolescent girls in urban and rural secondary schools in Kano State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years using a multistage sampling technique. Data collection included a validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Nutritional status was assessed using WHO BMI-for-age and height-for-age z-scores. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25, using independent t-tests and chi-square tests to examine urban–rural differences. Findings The prevalence of stunting and underweight was 39.6% and 37.3%, respectively, with rural girls significantly more affected (p < 0.001). Nutrition knowledge was poor in 32.3% and moderate in 66.3% of the participants. Urban adolescents scored significantly higher in nutrition knowledge (141.33 ± 12.46) than rural adolescents (124.19 ± 8.55; p < 0.001). Misconceptions about nutrition were widespread in both groups, such as believing fast food as healthy and balance meal option and removing bran from grains or legumes improved its nutritional value, reflecting a general need for improved nutrition literacy. Originality/value There are significant urban–rural disparities in both nutrition knowledge and nutritional status among adolescent girls in Kano State. Rural girls are disproportionately affected by undernutrition and knowledge gaps, indicating the need for appropriate interventions to improve adolescent nutrition outcomes.