Adolescent Nutrition and Eating Behaviors in Türkiye

Overview

This study examines differences in nutrition and eating behaviors among adolescents living in two regions of Türkiye with contrasting socioeconomic and cultural conditions. A total of 100 adolescents aged 14-18 years were recruited from high schools in Ağrı (Eastern Türkiye) and Kırklareli (Western Türkiye). Participants completed dietary recalls, the Healthy Nutrition Behavior Scale, and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The study aims to understand how regional inequalities influence nutrient intake and eating behaviors. Findings may help guide future public health strategies to improve adolescent nutrition across different regions of Türkiye.

Adolescence is a critical developmental stage where nutritional habits are formed and often persist into adulthood. Nutritional inequalities in Türkiye are shaped by socioeconomic and cultural disparities between regions. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April and June 2025 in two provinces representing distinct socioeconomic contexts: Ağrı in Eastern Türkiye and Kırklareli in Western Türkiye. A total of 100 adolescents (50 from each province) aged 14-18 years participated voluntarily. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls, and nutrient composition was analyzed with the BeBiS v9.0 software. Healthy eating behaviors were measured with the Healthy Nutrition Behavior Scale (HNBS), and disordered eating attitudes were evaluated with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The primary objective was to compare nutrient intake, healthy eating behaviors, and eating attitudes between the two provinces. Secondary analyses examined whether dietary patterns predicted psychosocial outcomes. Statistical methods included linear mixed-effects models, multivariate analysis of covariance, and principal component regression, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University Scientific Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Decision No: 112, March 27, 2025). All participants and their guardians provided informed consent. This study is expected to generate evidence on regional nutritional disparities among adolescents in Türkiye. Results may inform dual public health strategies: (i) improving access to nutrient-dense foods in disadvantaged regions and (ii) addressing over-nutrition and processed food consumption in more affluent regions.