Energy Needs and Nutritional Status of Adolescent Girls

The purpose of this study is to investigate the energy needs and nutritional status of adolescent girls in Abia State, Nigeria

Adolescents in low and middle-income countries encounter numerous nutritional challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, poor dietary habits, and food insecurity. These issues significantly impact their growth, development, and long-term health. Despite their increased vulnerability, this demographic is often overlooked in nutritional program planning and implementation. This neglect is due to a lack of accurate data, inadequate delivery platforms for interventions, and underdeveloped policies and programs. The Nutrition and Adolescence in Rural Nigeria (NARN'ia) study aims to address this gap through a comprehensive assessment of energy requirements in adolescent girls (N=50; ages 10 - 19 years) in Nigeria. NARN'ia will integrate dietary assessments using the 24-hour recall method (INDDEX24 app); physical activity levels using accelerometry; anthropometric evaluations of body composition, and the doubly labeled water method for assessing both body composition and total daily energy expenditure. This study will provide evidence-based data essential for formulating appropriate nutritional guidelines for adolescent girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, this research initiative will establish a foundational framework for future studies on energy requirements in Nigeria and other low and middle-income countries.