Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Methods: This was a school-based descriptive cross-sectional study among 71 adolescent girls conducted in November 2021. Using a random sampling method, schools were selected in Prayagraj, India. A self-structured and validated Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire (KAQ) was used for data collection. KAQ included sociodemographic details and questions on a balanced diet. Chi-Square test and descriptive statistics were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Most students’ knowledge level was far below the average score. (t(70) =3.5, p<.001). The mean age of the respondents was 13.87. Girls aged 17-19 scored better than 10-13- and 14–16-year-olds. The KAQ showed moderate reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.7). The age of the respondent (p=0.00), education of the respondent's father (p=0.02), and income of the family (p=0.00) were the factors significantly associated with the knowledge level of the respondents.

Conclusion: Thus, easy-to-understand nutrition educational material for adolescents should be introduced. Curricula and nutrition education interventions should be implemented in schools for adequate adolescent knowledge levels.