Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka
Abstract Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing mal...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95827-9 |
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| author | Sunethya Nandajeewa Sandunika Aluthwatta Ranitha Weerarathna Nilmini Rathnayake Vageesha Rajapakse Nadhee Wijesinghe Thirasha Liyanaarachchi |
| author_facet | Sunethya Nandajeewa Sandunika Aluthwatta Ranitha Weerarathna Nilmini Rathnayake Vageesha Rajapakse Nadhee Wijesinghe Thirasha Liyanaarachchi |
| author_sort | Sunethya Nandajeewa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing malnutrition in grade 10 pupils in the Nuwara-Eliya District, with the highest rates of malnutrition and also a multicultural area with many estate sector residents. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, the data was collected from 379 respondents via a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4.0. Key findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, significantly influence adolescent malnutrition. A comprehensive strategy incorporating education, healthcare, and environmental improvements is essential for this. Ongoing observation, community engagement, and cooperative tactics are crucial for sustainable solutions. Addressing environmental issues and promoting a holistic approach to health education and infrastructure improvements are vital to combat adolescent malnutrition in vulnerable populations. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5f3c7789cd88488aaa92d9f7e3c66c88 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-5f3c7789cd88488aaa92d9f7e3c66c882025-08-20T02:15:15ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-95827-9Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri LankaSunethya Nandajeewa0Sandunika Aluthwatta1Ranitha Weerarathna2Nilmini Rathnayake3Vageesha Rajapakse4Nadhee Wijesinghe5Thirasha Liyanaarachchi6SLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologySLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologySLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologyTasmanian School of Business and Economics, University of TasmaniaSLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologySLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologySLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information TechnologyAbstract Malnutrition, a persistent illness, significantly reduces fat, muscle and bone levels, harming internal organs. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka has led to widespread malnutrition among children, including adolescents experiencing growth spurts. This study identifies factors influencing malnutrition in grade 10 pupils in the Nuwara-Eliya District, with the highest rates of malnutrition and also a multicultural area with many estate sector residents. Using a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, the data was collected from 379 respondents via a Likert scale questionnaire. Structural Equation Model (SEM) analysis was conducted using Smart PLS 4.0. Key findings indicate that environmental factors, such as access to clean water and sanitation, significantly influence adolescent malnutrition. A comprehensive strategy incorporating education, healthcare, and environmental improvements is essential for this. Ongoing observation, community engagement, and cooperative tactics are crucial for sustainable solutions. Addressing environmental issues and promoting a holistic approach to health education and infrastructure improvements are vital to combat adolescent malnutrition in vulnerable populations.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95827-9AdolescentsEnvironmental factorsLifestyleMalnutritionNutritional knowledge |
| spellingShingle | Sunethya Nandajeewa Sandunika Aluthwatta Ranitha Weerarathna Nilmini Rathnayake Vageesha Rajapakse Nadhee Wijesinghe Thirasha Liyanaarachchi Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka Scientific Reports Adolescents Environmental factors Lifestyle Malnutrition Nutritional knowledge |
| title | Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka |
| title_full | Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka |
| title_fullStr | Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka |
| title_full_unstemmed | Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka |
| title_short | Identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in Nuwara-Eliya District, Sri Lanka |
| title_sort | identifying the causes of adolescent malnutrition in nuwara eliya district sri lanka |
| topic | Adolescents Environmental factors Lifestyle Malnutrition Nutritional knowledge |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95827-9 |
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