A Cross-Sequential Study of Dietary Diversity and Food Consumption Patterns among High School Adolescents in Machakel District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background: Globally, adolescents face significant challenges in achieving food and nutrition security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This transitional stage comes with unique dietary needs influenced by various factors, making healthy eating essential to support their rapid growth and prevent nutritional deficiencies that can hinder their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Objective: This study assessed diet diversity and food consumption patterns of adolescent students in Machakel district during pre-harvest and post-harvest seasons, comparing food and nutrition security between the two seasons. Method: The study used a cross-sequential design to assess diet diversity and food consumption patterns. Using simple random sampling, 410 students were selected from four high schools. Data were collected in the pre-harvest (November-December) and post-harvest (April-May) seasons. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. STATA 17 was utilised for analysis. Result: The study found that food and nutrition security significantly improved in the post-harvest season compared to the pre-harvest season. At pre-harvest, 55%, 41%, and 4% had little, acceptable, and suitable dietary diversity scores (DDS), respectively, compared to 19%, 55%, and 26% post-harvest. The percentage of poor, borderline, and acceptable food consumption scores shifted from 55%, 41%, and 4% to 2%, 30%, and 68%, respectively. Conclusion: Public awareness and targeted interventions are needed to address the seasonal and socio-economic disparities in adolescent nutrition and improve their overall well-being. Unique Contribution: This study offers a unique contribution by providing a seasonal comparative analysis of dietary diversity and food consumption patterns among high school adolescents during pre-harvest and post-harvest periods. By capturing data across these critical agricultural seasons, the research highlights fluctuations in food availability and accessibility, revealing their direct impact on adolescent nutrition. The findings underscore the vulnerability of this age group to seasonal food and nutrition insecurity, while also identifying specific dietary gaps and shifts in consumption behaviour. This nuanced understanding can inform targeted, seasonally responsive school-based nutrition interventions and policy strategies aimed at improving adolescent health outcomes in agrarian communities. Key Recommendations: A multi-sectoral approach integrating education, agriculture, and socioeconomic interventions is crucial. Expanding school infrastructure in remote areas can reduce the need for students to live alone, and integrating nutrition education in schools can promote healthy eating habits.