Macronutrient Intake Inadequacy and Associated Factors Among School Adolescent Girls in Meshenti, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: 24-Hour Recall

Objective: This study assessed macronutrient intake and associated factors among school adolescent girls in Meshenti, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 7–23, 2020, among 401 randomly selected adolescent girls. Macronutrient intake was assessed using a 24-hour dietary recall with portion size estimation. Nutrient data were analyzed with ESHA FOOD PROCESSOR software and compared to WHO/FAO recommendations — 2200 Kcal for energy and 34–46g for protein. Factors associated with inadequate macronutrient intake were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Setting: An institutional study was conducted. Participants: This study was conducted among school adolescent girls Results: The median (IQR) energy intake was 2040.23 (1648.24–2744.51), and the mean (±SD) protein intake was 63.88 (±20.99). About 57.6% (95% CI: 52.9–62.8%) had inadequate energy intake, and 18.5% (95% CI: 14.7–22.2%) had inadequate protein intake. Inadequate energy intake was associated with dietary diversity [AOR=4.31, 95% CI: 2.20–8.47], knowledge [AOR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.34–3.28], and meal frequency [AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.06–5.95]. Factors linked to inadequate protein intake included early adolescence [AOR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.08–3.31], residency [AOR=0.27, 95% CI: 0.15–0.48], dietary diversity [AOR=3.28, 95% CI: 1.08–9.98], knowledge [AOR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.04–3.19], and meal frequency [AOR=2.94, 95% CI: 1.35–6.37]. Conclusion: This study revealed high inadequate energy and protein intake. Contributing factors included dietary diversity, knowledge, and meal frequency, with age and residence affecting protein intake. Emphasis is needed on early adolescent girls’ nutrition education.