The purpose of this study is to investigate the energy needs and nutritional status of adolescent girls in Abia State, Nigeria
Adolescents in low and middle-income countries encounter numerous nutritional challenges, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, poor dietary habits, and food insecurity. These issues significantly impact their growth, development, and long-term health. Despite their increased vulnerability, this demographic is often overlooked in nutritional program planning and implementation. This neglect is due to a lack of accurate data, inadequate delivery platforms for interventions, and underdeveloped policies and programs. The Nutrition and Adolescence in Rural Nigeria (NARN'ia) study aims to address this gap through a comprehensive assessment of energy requirements in adolescent girls (N=50; ages 10 - 19 years) in Nigeria. NARN'ia will integrate dietary assessments using the 24-hour recall method (INDDEX24 app); physical activity levels using accelerometry; anthropometric evaluations of body composition, and the doubly labeled water method for assessing both body composition and total daily energy expenditure. This study will provide evidence-based data essential for formulating appropriate nutritional guidelines for adolescent girls in Nigeria. Furthermore, this research initiative will establish a foundational framework for future studies on energy requirements in Nigeria and other low and middle-income countries.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Duke University Evolutionary Anthropology
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Michael Okpara Universty of Agriculture
Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
Total Energy Expenditure measured with Doubly Labeled Water (DLW)
The rate of elimination of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes from the DLW through urine will be used to estimate TEE in kilocalories per day (kcal/day).
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Physical Activity Levels using a wrist-worn accelerometer
Physical activity levels will be categorized under light, moderate, and vigorous and will be expressed as accelerations over each day. Light Physical Activity: Acceleration: 0.05 g to 0.1 g Moderate Physical Activity:Acceleration: 0.1 g to 0.3 g Vigorous Physical Activity:Acceleration: ≥ 0.3 g This will be reported as the number of participants at each physical activity level.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Dietary Intake using the INDDEX24 app - total energy (kcal/day) content
The INDDEX24 dietary recall app will be used to capture detailed information on all foods and beverages consumed during the recall period. Nutritional intake will be analyzed for total energy (kcal/day).
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Dietary Intake using the INDDEX24 app - macronutrient content
The INDDEX24 app will be used to assess the macronutrient consumed by each individual per day over the course of the enrollment period.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Dietary Intake using the INDDEX24 app - micronutrient content
The INDDEX24 app will be used to access the micronutrient content of the diets of the participants for the duration of enrollment.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - BMI
Body composition will be assessed by recording the heights and weights of the participants with a tape measure and body scale respectively to calculate their body mass indices (BMI) in kg/m\^2
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - skinfold thickness (biceps)
Body composition will be assessed by recording biceps skinfold thickness of the participants using skinfold calipers in mm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - skinfold thickness (triceps)
Body composition will be assessed by recording triceps skinfold thickness of the participants using skinfold calipers in mm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - skinfold thickness (subscapular)
Body composition will be assessed by recording subscapular skinfold thickness of the participants using skinfold calipers in mm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - skinfold thickness (suprailiac)
Body composition will be assessed by recording suprailiac skinfold thickness of the participants using skinfold calipers in mm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - waist circumference
Body composition will be assessed by recording the waist circumference of the participants using a tape measure in cm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment
Body composition - hip circumference
Body composition will be assessed by recording the hip circumference of the participants using a tape measure in cm.
Time frame: 10 days from enrollment