Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development marked by unique dietary and snacking habits that significantly influence long-term health outcomes. Dietary choices made during this phase play a pivotal role in determining an individual's overall well-being, and inadequate nutrition during adolescence can have far-reaching consequences. Himachal Pradesh, a northern state in India, boasts a diverse landscape and culture, but it is not immune to the global trends of changing dietary patterns among its adolescent population [1-3].

In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the dietary habits of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh. The transition from childhood to adolescence is often accompanied by shifts in eating preferences, increased snacking, and exposure to a wider range of food options, including processed and fast foods. These changes can significantly impact their nutritional intake, potentially leading to deficiencies or excessive consumption of certain nutrients [4-6].

Given the importance of proper nutrition during adolescence, understanding the knowledge and awareness levels of school-going adolescents regarding healthy dietary habits and snacking patterns becomes imperative. While numerous studies have explored dietary behaviors in adolescents worldwide, regional variations necessitate a localized examination. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the knowledge of healthy dietary habits and snacking patterns among school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh.

This comprehensive investigation seeks to shed light on the existing dietary and snacking practices of adolescents in the region, identifying areas where awareness and knowledge can be improved. The findings from this study served as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to design targeted interventions and educational programs that promote healthier dietary choices among adolescents, ultimately contributing to their overall health and well-being.     

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the Knowledge regarding Healthy Dietary and snaking habits among school going adolescents children of Himachal Pradesh

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross-sectional survey design

• Study Area: Whole state of Himachal Pradesh

• Study Duration: Between April 2023 to July 2023

• Study Population: All school going adolescent children who were studying in the Himachal Pradesh for 12 months or more. 

• Sample Size: 400 school going adolescents childrenassuming 50% have adequate knowledge regarding Healthy Dietary & snaking habits, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non response rate.

• Study Tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography, knowledge regarding Healthy Dietary & snaking habits was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of school children to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents. 

Description of Tool

• Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, gender etc

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Healthy Dietary & snaking habits. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good, 60-79% (12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (< 8) = poor

• Validity of Tool: By the experts in this field

• Data Collection: Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated via online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram etc. in both rural and urban area of Himachal Pradesh till the 400 responses were collected 

• Data Analysis: Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding regarding Healthy Dietary and snaking habits among school going adolescents children in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, with 266 (66.5 percent) were males and 134 (33.5%) were female school children (Table 1).

Table 1: Knowledge regarding Healthy Dietary and Snaking Habits among Study Participants

In the present study 30.25% (121) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Healthy Dietary & snaking habits, 38.25% (153) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 17.25% (69) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 14.25% (57) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Table 2).

Table 2: Knowledge Scores towards Healthy Dietary and Snaking Habits among Study Participants 

The findings of this study shed light on the knowledge levels of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh regarding healthy dietary habits and snacking patterns. Adequate nutrition during adolescence is crucial for physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. However, the transition from childhood to adolescence often brings about changes in dietary preferences and habits, which may impact the nutritional quality of their diets.

In this study, the majority of participants demonstrated a good understanding of several aspects of healthy dietary habits. Notably, 74.5% of respondents correctly identified the importance of a balanced diet for adolescents. This knowledge is promising, as a balanced diet is fundamental to meeting the increased nutritional demands during this phase of life. Furthermore, over two-thirds of participants (69%) were able to name three food groups that should be a part of every meal. This indicates a reasonable awareness of the basic components of a nutritious diet, which should ideally include fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources [5-9].

Encouragingly, a significant proportion of respondents recognized the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water daily (54%). Proper hydration is essential for various physiological functions and overall health. However, there were areas where knowledge levels could be improved. For instance, only 52.75% of participants knew how many servings of fruits and vegetables they should aim to eat each day. Given the importance of fruits and vegetables in providing essential vitamins and minerals, this represents an area for potential educational intervention [7-10].

One concerning finding was that 44.5% of participants understood the importance of limiting the consumption of sugary drinks like soda. While this indicates awareness of the issue, the percentage is not as high as expected, considering the well-documented health risks associated with excessive sugar intake. Similarly, knowledge regarding the recommended daily intake of whole grains for adolescents was relatively low (31%). Whole grains are a valuable source of fiber and nutrients, and their inclusion in the diet is crucial [10-12].

The study also revealed that 64% of participants understood the impact of excessive caffeine consumption on health. This awareness is notable, as caffeine consumption among adolescents has become a subject of concern in recent years. In terms of practical recommendations, participants generally exhibited good knowledge regarding making healthier choices when eating fast food (49.25%), emphasizing the importance of informed choices when dining out. Additionally, 63.5% of respondents recognized the role they can play in encouraging their friends and family to adopt healthier eating habits, highlighting the potential for adolescents to be influencers of dietary choices within their social circles [10-13].

The findings of this study align with previous research on adolescent dietary knowledge, which has shown variations in awareness levels across different aspects of nutrition. This emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs that focus on areas where knowledge is lacking while reinforcing existing understanding.

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the knowledge levels of school-going adolescents in Himachal Pradesh regarding healthy dietary habits and snacking patterns. While certain aspects of nutrition were well understood, there are opportunities for improvement in areas such as the recommended daily intake of specific food groups and the importance of limiting sugary drink consumption. These findings can inform educational interventions and public health campaigns aimed at promoting healthier dietary choices among adolescents in the region.

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