Nutritional knowledge attitude and practices and Associated factors among primary school adolescents in Anlemo district, southern ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Dietary intake is a critical component contributing to human health and well- being, and dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). In addition, the family and community play an important role in the gaining of dietary knowledge and dietary-related practices. Objective: This study aimed to assess dietary knowledge attitudes and practices and associated factors among primary school adolescents. Methods: A Cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15- June 20/2021 in Anlemo District, Hadiya Zone. A total of 596 schools adolescent 10-19year were selected using Stratified random sampling techniques. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questioner. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS for windows version 21 software for further analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Both crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to show the strength of association. The variables having a p< 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis were considered as candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 596 students aged between 10 and 19 years old were included in the study with a 100% response rate. Analysis revealed that (63.8%, [95% CI=59.7, 67.5]) of the adolescent had good knowledge, (62.2%, [95% CI=59.2, 66.6] had good practices and (65.3%, [95%CI=61.4, 69.1]) had favorale attitude. Females were 1.5 times more likely to good knowledgeable (AOR: 1.5, [95%CI=1.02, 2.51]) when compared to males. Urban residences were 9.4times knowledgeable (AOR: 9.4, [95%CI=4.88, 16.28]) when compared to rural residences. Grade eight students were 1.9 times more likely to have good nutritional practice (AOR: 1.9, [95% CI=1.14, 3.28]) when compared to grade five. Females were 1.9 times more likely to have favorable dietary attitudes (AOR: 1.9, [95% CI= 1.28, 2.72]) when compared to males. Grade seven students were 2.6 times more likely to have favorable dietary attitude (AOR: 2.6, [95% CI=1.56, 4.64]) when compared to grade five. Conclusion: Adolescents had a good knowledge attitude and practice. Knowledge had no association with practices. However, attitude significantly influenced practices. Recommendation: the findings imply that need for creating knowledge on the effect of poor practices on overweight and obesity and associated to health risks. This should aim at improving knowledge, positive attitudes, and practices among adolescent