Introduction Micronutrients, which include essential vitamins and minerals required in trace amounts, play crucial roles in various physiological processes, such as immune function, cognitive development and overall health. Several previous studies in Nepal have addressed general nutrition and malnutrition trends, few have specifically explored micronutrient-related knowledge and dietary behaviours, particularly among adolescents with attention given to micronutrients in particular. Therefore, this study aims to assess the level of awareness, perceptions and dietary practices related to micronutrients among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022 among 755 adolescents in Madhyabindu Municipality, Nepal. The study employed multistage random sampling with a validated self-administered questionnaire distributed to participants. Statistical analyses, including χ 2 tests and logistic regression, were performed with significance set at p values <0.05 and <0.001 via the SPSS V.16.0. Results Adequate knowledge of micronutrient-rich foods was observed in 51.52% of the participants, whereas 47.94% had positive attitudes and 42.38% demonstrated good consumption practices. Higher knowledge levels were linked to higher grades (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.47, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.37), belonging to the advantageous ethnic group (AOR=2.40, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.65), maternal education (primary: AOR=1.91, 95% CI 1.06 to 3.47; secondary: AOR=3.02, 95% CI 1.44 to 6.32) and curriculum nutrition content (AOR=1.92, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.81). Good dietary practices were associated with ethnicity (AOR=3.59, 95% CI 1.89 to 6.79), family income (AOR=2.14, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.86), maternal occupation (AOR=1.73, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.86) and paternal occupation (AOR=1.71, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.90). Conclusion This study highlights a significant gap between adolescents’ knowledge and their actual consumption or the dietary practices related to micronutrients. There is a pressing need for targeted educational interventions, particularly those involving parents. Enhancing school curricula to include comprehensive and detailed education on micronutrients—especially folate, zinc and vitamins C and D—is crucial for improving adolescent health outcomes.
Shrestha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.