Energy and Nutrient Intake Adequacy and Growth Outcomes of Adolescent Schoolgirls in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Adolescent girls represent a nutritionally vulnerable group whose dietary needs for energy, protein, iron, calcium, and folate are elevated due to growth demands and, for some, concurrent pregnancy risk. Yet population-level data on nutrient intake adequacy and growth outcomes in adolescent schoolgirls from North Central Nigeria are limited. This study assesses energy and nutrient intake adequacy and associated growth outcomes among secondary school girls aged 10 to 17 years in Jos South and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State. An analytical cross-sectional design enrolled 360 girls through stratified school-based sampling. Energy and nutrient intakes were assessed using a quantitative 24-hour dietary recall administered on two non-consecutive days, with usual intake distributions estimated using the multiple source method. Nutrient adequacy was evaluated against Dietary Reference Intakes, with probability of inadequacy calculated for each nutrient. Anthropometric outcomes including body mass index-for-age, height-for-age, and mid-upper arm circumference were assessed using WHO reference data. Menarche status and menstrual regularity were recorded as physiological covariates. Multiple regression analyses examined the association between nutrient intake adequacy scores and growth outcomes, adjusting for socioeconomic status, household food security, and school feeding participation. Findings will contribute to the evidence base for adolescent girl nutrition programming and school-based nutrition interventions in North Central Nigeria. Keywords: adolescent girls, nutrient intake adequacy, growth, Plateau State, dietary assessment.