Evaluation of nutritional literacy, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and nutritional status of young consumers

This study was conducted during the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year with 150 students (80 girls, 70 boys) aged 14-18, studying at a private high school, to examine the relationship between nutritional literacy, sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, and nutritional status among young consumers. The average age of the participants was found to be 15.7±1.30 years. The study utilized the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS) and the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS) for assessment. Regarding the general scores of the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale, the average score of boys was 68.3±13.3, while that of girls was 66.4±10.37; no statistically significant difference was found between genders (p=0.336). For the general scores of the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale, the average score of boys was 4.0±0.91, while that of girls was 3.8±0.86, and this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.183). However, in the "Healthy and Balanced Eating" subscale, boys scored 4.5±1.34, while girls scored 4.0±1.30, and this difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.036). In the analyses related to macronutrient intake, a weak positive correlation (r=0.264, p=0.027) was observed between the total ANLS score and protein intake, and a moderate positive correlation (r=0.334, p=0.005) was found with cholesterol intake among male students. No significant relationships were found between SHEBS scores and energy or macronutrient intake for either gender (p>0.05). Regarding micronutrient intake, folic acid and calcium intake were found to be insufficient for both genders. Male students had significantly higher calcium and zinc intake compared to female students. Calcium intake was 694.2±309.45 mg in boys and 553.3±217.84 mg in girls (p=0.001), while zinc intake was 8.1±4.72 mg in boys and 6.8±3.66 mg in girls (p=0.048). Overall, significant positive correlations were found between Adolescent Nutrition Literacy and Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors. A moderately strong positive relationship was detected between the total ANLS score and the total SHEBS score (r=0.531, p<0.05). This finding highlights the critical importance of improving nutrition literacy to support sustainable and healthy eating behaviors among adolescents. The study concluded that enhancing nutrition literacy levels is effective in promoting both healthy and sustainable eating behaviors in young individuals. Furthermore, it was determined that the sustainable and healthy eating behavior levels of young consumers were above average, and improving nutrition literacy plays a critical role in further supporting and enhancing these behaviors. Keywords: Adolescent, nutritional literacy, sustainable eating, young consumers, sustainability