Dietary habits and nutritional status of adolescent girls in environmentally vulnerable coastal areas of Bangladesh

This study aimed to investigate dietary practices, nutritional status and micronutrient intakes of adolescent girls residing in coastal areas of Bangladesh. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data were collected through household interviews using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and beliefs, 24-hour dietary recall, dietary history, anthropometric measurements, and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices. The study was carried out in four coastal districts (Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Noakhali, and Cox’s Bazar) of Bangladesh. A total of 640 adolescent girls aged 11–19 years were surveyed by trained female interviewers. The results indicated that normal weight (Body mass index (BMI)-for-age ≥ − 2 SD to ≤ + 1 SD), obesity ((BMI-for-age > + 2 SD), overweight (BMI-for-age > + 1 SD), severe thinness (BMI-for-age < − 3 SD) and thinness (BMI-for-age < − 2 SD) respectively 72.3%, 2.2%,10.9%, 5.8%, and 8.8%. Analysis of height-for-age revealed that 86.1% were within the normal (Height-for-Age Z-score ≥ -2 SD) range and 13.9% were of stunted (Height-for-Age Z-score < -2 SD) growth. Nutritional status was significantly associated with family income, food intake, dietary knowledge, and hygiene practices. Over half (51.8%) lacked awareness of essential micronutrients, and 48.6% demonstrated indifference toward daily diet. Inadequate MHM facilities affected 51.7% of respondents, and 58.8% of school-going girls missed classes during menstruation. The findings underscore the urgent need for adolescent-centered nutrition education, improved MHM infrastructure, and targeted socioeconomic interventions to enhance dietary behavior and nutritional well-being among coastal girls in Bangladesh.