School-based nutrition programmes have been implemented in various contexts to address malnutrition among adolescent girls, a group particularly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and weight gain issues. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative assessment through standardised surveys with qualitative insights from focus group discussions, to analyse data collected from participants in targeted schools. A notable trend observed was an increase of 15% in the proportion of girls who reported improved eating habits post-programme participation, while maintaining stable weight gain levels among the study population. The findings suggest that school-based nutrition programmes can positively influence adolescent girls' dietary practices within a short timeframe, potentially mitigating nutritional deficiencies and promoting healthier lifestyles. Future studies should consider extending these programmes to cover longer periods and explore their long-term effects on health outcomes. Policy makers are encouraged to implement similar initiatives in other regions with comparable socio-economic contexts. School Nutrition Programmes, Adolescent Girls, Eating Habits, Weight Gain, Uganda
Ssekitarama et al. (Thu,) studied this question.