Knowledge and Practice Regarding Eating Behaviours Among Adolescents

Adolescent eating behaviors are critical determinants of long-term health and nutritional outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice regarding eating behaviours among adolescents. A non-experimental descriptive research design was adopted and conducted in 100 adolescents (both boys and girls) selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a sociodemographic datasheet, a structured knowledge questionnaire, and a structured rating scale to assess practices related to eating behaviors. Results revealed that 1% of participants had poor knowledge, 8% had average knowledge, 81% had good knowledge, and 10% had excellent knowledge regarding eating behaviours. Regarding practice, 72% of the participants demonstrated good eating behaviour practices. A weak positive correlation (r = 0.106) was found between knowledge and practice, suggesting that increased knowledge was slightly associated with improved practice. Chi-square analysis indicated a statistically significant association between the father’s educational status and knowledge level (p < 0.05). The study concludes that while most adolescents exhibited good knowledge and practice related to eating behaviours, the weak correlation underscores the need for more targeted interventions to translate knowledge into consistent healthy practices.