Relationship Dietary Intake, Knowledge Level, and Body Image Incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency in Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to nutritional problems, one of which is Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED). CED is a condition of malnutrition caused by prolonged inadequate food intake, which can negatively affect health, productivity, and quality of life. The direct factor contributing to CED is dietary intake, while indirect factors include nutritional knowledge and body image. This study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary intake, nutritional knowledge, and body image with the incidence of CED among adolescent girls at SMA Negeri 1 Mojolaban. A quantitative research design with a cross-sectional approach was employed. The study population consisted of 427 female students, and a sample of 91 was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements (upper arm circumference), dietary intake interviews using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), and questionnaires on nutritional knowledge and body image. Statistical analysis included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression. Univariate analysis revealed that most respondents were aged 16–18 years (91.2%), had daily pocket money of IDR 10,000–15,000 (41.8%), and experienced inadequate intake of energy (72.5%), protein (63.7%), fat (74.7%), and carbohydrates (78%). Furthermore, 51.6% had moderate nutritional knowledge, 90.1% were indifferent to body image, and 74.7% suffered from CED. Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between all independent variables and CED (p=0.000). Multivariate analysis indicated that only energy intake (B=0.461; p=0.031), nutritional knowledge (B=0.200; p=0.010), and body image (B=0.395; p=0.000) were significant predictors of CED, while protein intake was not significant (p=0.762). In conclusion, dietary intake, nutritional knowledge, and body image are significantly associated with CED among adolescent girls, with energy intake being the most dominant factor. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive nutritional interventions focusing on adequate energy intake, nutrition education, and fostering a healthy body image to prevent CED in adolescents.