Assessement of Food Consumption and Micronutrient in-Take Among Out-of-School Adolescent Girls in Adakawa, Kantudu,and Gobirawa Wards of Dala Local Government Area,kano State.

ABSTRACT Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, requiring adequate nutrition to support optimal health. However, out-of-school adolescent girls, particularly in Kano State, face heightened risks of inadequate food consumption and micronutrient deficiencies due to socio-economic barriers, cultural practices, and limited access to nutritional education. This study assesses food consumption patterns and micronutrient intake among out-of-school adolescent girls in Dala Local Government Area, Kano State. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 425 participants using structured dietary surveys, including a 24-hour dietary recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The results revealed that staple grains constituted the most consumed food group (78% daily intake), while the intake of vegetables (42%) and fruits (35%) was suboptimal. Additionally, the study found significant micronutrient deficiencies, with only 35% of respondents meeting the recommended daily intake for iron, 40% for vitamin A, and 25% for calcium. Nutrition counseling interventions demonstrated improvements in dietary habits, with increased vegetable and fruit consumption post-intervention. The study concludes that out-of-school adolescent girls face substantial nutritional challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted policy interventions, food fortification programs, and community-based nutrition education to enhance dietary diversity and micronutrient intake.