An investigation of the adolescents nutritional status in the Northern State was carried in urban and
rural areas. 515 household chosen, populated by 1929 subjects. Adolescents aged (10<20 years)
constituting 20.8% were selected from the households. Information on socioeconomic status,
anthropometric measurements (BMI-for age), food habits and intake was collected by means of a
questionnaire. Prevalence of under weight was a problem among adolescents in the state; which was
highest in Albakri (28.6%), similar in Dongla and Marawi, lowest in Karima (16.9%). It was highest among
males (29.4%) compared with (17.5%) among females. The gender difference was significant (p<0.021).
The strongest predictor of under weight among adolescents was the household energy intake which
contributed to about 77% of the variability, then came rural residency. Wheat was the staple food consumed
mainly as gurasa. Meat as beef/mutton was used in small amounts to prepare the traditional meat/vegetable
stew Mean energy intake was 1734 kcal/day, highest in Karima lowest in Albakri. Location differences were
significant (p<0.004) but no urban/rural differences. Protein intake was adequate in 69.5% of the households,
animal protein contributed 21.6% to total protein, highest in Karima and lowest in Albakri. Fat intake was
inadequate in 83.9% of the households and carbohydrates were in excess in 62.5%. Albakri had the worst
food intake because 74.0% of its households lived below the poverty line. The nutritional situation in the State
needs further investigation particularly underweight among the adolescents.