Bridging the Gap between nutrition knowledge and practice: A study of adolescents in Owerri municipal secondary schools Nigeria

Adolescence is a critical growth period demanding proper nutrition for optimal development, academic performance, and overall well-being. Adolescents are nutritionally vulnerable, facing growth spurts that, if unmet with adequate nutrition, can lead to future malnutrition. Studies show adolescents often engage in poor dietary practices despite increased awareness of healthy eating. This study assessed the nutrition knowledge and dietary practices of adolescents in selected public and private secondary schools in Owerri Municipal, Imo State. A cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from senior class students using a questionnaire adapted from the FAO KAP model (2014). Results showed that 91.5% of respondents had moderate to good nutrition knowledge, while only 0.6% had poor knowledge. Most students recognized the importance of breakfast (88.4%), adequate water intake (91.5%), and carbohydrates as an energy source (81.1%), though misconceptions persisted regarding certain foods. Despite relatively high knowledge, dietary practices were suboptimal, with only 28.4% demonstrating good practices. While 90.5% ate breakfast daily, regular consumption of sugary drinks (64.9%) and inadequate vegetable intake (40.5% consuming insufficient amounts) were common. Socioeconomic factors influenced dietary behaviour, with higher parental education and income linked to better practices, while larger family size was associated with poorer habits. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and practice (p = 0.005), suggesting that higher knowledge slightly improved dietary behaviour; however, knowledge alone did not ensure healthy practices. No significant differences were observed between public and private school students in either knowledge (p = 0.389) or practice (p = 0.390), though public school students exhibited marginally better dietary habits. The findings highlight a gap between nutrition knowledge and actual eating behaviour, influenced by socioeconomic conditions. Interventions should therefore combine nutrition education with practical strategies to improve food accessibility and promote healthy choices among adolescents in Owerri Municipal.