NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA ,

Abstract

Adolescence is a vital stage of growth that requires adequate nutritional knowledge to support healthy development and prevent diet-related health issues. This study assessed the level of nutritional knowledge among school adolescents in Ilorin West Local Government Area (LGA), Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine whether nutritional knowledge differs based on (i) school type (ii) gender. A descriptive survey research design was employed. The study population consisted of 44,987 school adolescents from both public and private secondary schools in Ilorin West LGA. A sample of 413 students was selected through multistage sampling techniques involving stratified, proportionate, random, and convenience sampling. A validated, researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect data. Reliability was confirmed using the split-half method. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics of t-test at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was a significant difference in nutritional knowledge based on school type (t = 27.23, p < 0.001), with private school students scoring higher than those in public schools; there was no significant difference in nutritional knowledge based on gender (t = 1.12, p > 0.05) The study concluded that while adolescents possess a fair understanding of basic nutrition, disparities exist based on school type. It recommended that targeted nutrition education be strengthened, especially in public schools, and that school curricula integrate practical nutrition education to support informed dietary choices among adolescents.