Assessment of dietary habits and nutritional status of adolescent girls in coastal regions of Bangladesh with poor water quality, considering the potential implications for micronutrient

Objective: This study aimed to investigate dietary practices, nutritional status and micronutrient intakes of adolescent girls residing in coastal areas of Bangladesh. Design: It was descriptive cross-sectional study design. Data were collected through household interviews employing a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and beliefs, 24-hour dietary recall, dietary history, anthropometric measurements, and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices. Setting: The study was carried out in four coastal districts (Patuakhali, Bagerhat, Noakhali, and Cox’s Bazar) of Bangladesh. Participants: A total of 640 adolescent girls aged 11–19 years were surveyed by trained female interviewers. Results: The results indicated that normal weight (Body mass index (BMI)-for-age ≥ −2 SD to ≤ +1 SD), obesity ((BMI-for-age > +2 SD), overweight (BMI-for-age > +1 SD), severe thinness (BMI-for-age < −3 SD) and thinness (BMI-for-age < −2 SD) respectively72.3%, 2.2%,10.9%, 5.8%, and 8.8%. Analysis of height-for-age revealed that 86.1% were within the normal (Height-for-Age Z-score ≥ -2 SD) range and 13.9% were of stunted (Height-for-Age Z-score < -2 SD) growth. Nutritional status was significantly associated with family income, food intake, dietary knowledge, and hygiene practices. Over half (51.8%) lacked awareness of essential micronutrients, and 48.6% demonstrated indifference toward daily diet. Inadequate MHM facilities affected 51.6% of respondents, and 58.8% of school-going girls missed classes during menstruation. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for adolescent-centered nutrition education, improved MHM infrastructure, and targeted socioeconomic interventions to enhance dietary behavior and nutritional well-being among coastal girls in Bangladesh.