Knowledge of rural adolescent girls in health and nutrition

Abstract

This study examines the health and nutrition knowledge of rural adolescent girls, the sources they use to access information, and the challenges they face in seeking reliable guidance. The findings indicate that while overall awareness was moderate, critical gaps exist in understanding essential nutritional concepts, such as nutrient functions and anemia, with only 30% demonstrating good knowledge of balanced diets. Informal sources like mothers, friends, and local NGOs were the primary channels for health information, while formal sources like books, newspapers, and community leaders were significantly underutilized due to literacy barriers, cultural norms, and limited access. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions, improved media outreach, and community engagement to empower adolescent girls with accurate health and nutrition knowledge. Addressing these gaps is critical for enhancing their well-being and supporting broader public health goals.