Adolescent Nutrition and Eating Behaviors in Türkiye

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Adolescent Nutrition Behavior Behavior, Animal Eating Attitudes Eating Behaviors Feeding Behavior Nutritional Inequalities

Age range

14 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Faculty of Health Sciences

Ağrı, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Adolescents aged 14-18 years

Residing in the study province (Ağrı or Kırklareli) for at least 5 years

Enrolled in selected secondary or high schools

Provided written informed consent (self and parent/guardian)

Exclusion criteria

Presence of chronic disease affecting diet (e.g., diabetes, celiac disease)

Currently receiving medical nutrition therapy or weight management interventions

Incomplete dietary recall or questionnaire data

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

Eating Attitudes (EAT-26)

Time frame: Cross-sectional, single assessment (April-June 2025).

Scores on the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), a validated screening tool for disordered eating attitudes in adolescents
Healthy Nutrition Behavior Score (HNBS)

Time frame: Single cross-sectional assessment at baseline (April-June 2025).

Scores on the Healthy Nutrition Behavior Scale (HNBS), a validated 20-item instrument for adolescents. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1=never to 5=always). Higher total scores indicate healthier nutrition behaviors.
Nutrient Intake (24-hour recall)

Time frame: Cross-sectional, single assessment (April-June 2025).

Energy and nutrient intake (e.g., protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals) based on a 24-hour dietary recall and analyzed using BeBiS v9.0 software.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dursun Alper YILMAZ

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Regional Nutritional Inequalities and Eating Behaviors Among Turkish Adolescents: A Cross-Regional Analysis

Acronym: ANEB-TR

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Sep 26, 2025
Registry last updated: Sep 26, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed