THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS ON NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND DIETARY PRACTICES AMONG SCHOOL-GOING ADOLESCENTS

Objectives: This study investigates the impact of socioeconomic factors on nutritional knowledge and dietary practices among school-going adolescents in rural areas of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The primary objectives were to assess the relationship between socioeconomic status and adolescents' nutritional knowledge and dietary practices, and to identify barriers to adopting healthy dietary practices in the context of socioeconomic disparities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, encompassing data from 385 adolescents, with variables such as family income, parental education, and access to nutritional resources being analyzed. Results: The results revealed significant correlations between higher socioeconomic status and better nutritional knowledge and dietary practices. Adolescents from wealthier families and those with more educated parents demonstrated superior understanding and adherence to healthy dietary guidelines, while those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds exhibited gaps in knowledge and poorer dietary habits. Additionally, the study highlighted the presence of nutritional health issues, including both underweight and overweight adolescents, indicating a dual burden of malnutrition in the region. Conclusion: The conclusion emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions that address the socioeconomic disparities influencing adolescent nutrition. Such interventions should include enhanced nutritional education, improved access to affordable nutritious foods, and culturally sensitive programs that respect local dietary practices while promoting balanced nutrition. The findings underscore the critical role of socioeconomic factors in shaping adolescents' nutritional behaviors and call for multi-faceted approaches to improve nutritional outcomes in rural communities. KEYWORDS: Nutrition knowledge, Dietary practices, Adolescent Nutrition, Public Health, Nutritional Education