Demographic Characteristics and Dietary Patterns Among Adoles-cents In Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Assessment Using 24-Hour Dietary Recall

Adolescence is a critical period for nutritional interventions; however, there is a paucity of data on dietary habits among Nigerian adolescents. To drive a specific nutritional intervention, it is imperative to understand how population composition affects food patterns.The objectives of the study included a demographic characterisation and dietary patterns of adolescents in Daura town, Katsina State, Nigeria, as well as the establishment of nutritional patterns using 24-hour dietary recall methodology.The study was a cross-sectional study of 100 adolescents (71 males, 29 females) randomly sampled from seven wards in Daura town. Structured questionnaires were used to record sociodemographic characteristics, and trained interviewers used 24-hour dietary recalls. Statistical information was analysed using SPSS version 24.0, including frequency distributions and descriptive statistics.Results indicate that the study population was men (71.0%), with a mean age distribution skewed toward older adolescents (26% aged 16 years). All respondents were Muslims and enrolled in secondary school. Breakfast food consumption remained conventional, with koko/kunu/kosai accounting for 31.0 %. Shinkafa (rice dishes) accounted for the smallest percentages, with 28.0% consumed at lunch and 31.0% consumed at dinner. Men and women differed in their meal timing and food choices.The dietary habits of adolescents in Daura are characterised by low nutritional diversity and are highly traditional in terms of Hausa dietary practices. The high proportion of carbohydrate-rich foods indicates possible micronutrient deficiencies that may require exceptional dietary support.