Background
Malnutrition is a public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. In Senegal, 35% of adolescent girls are undernourished and 56% are anemic.
Methods
This study assessed the dietary intake of 14–18-year-old adolescent girls in Dakar, Senegal. Specifically, the study 1) assessed their intake in energy, fibre, macro- and micronutrients, 2) described the types and the quality of the foods they consume, and 3) assessed some of their eating behaviours. Dietary intake was measured using three non-consecutive 24-h recalls from 136 adolescent girls attending two colleges. Energy and nutrient intakes were measured and compared to recommendations. Foods were classified by food group and by whether they were healthy or unhealthy. Adolescents’ daily intake (g) of fruits and vegetables, as well as the proportion of girls who ate breakfast and who consumed three meals a day were calculated.