Abstract
BACKGROUND: Evidence on adolescents' knowledge and practices related to healthy eating and food hygiene in Kazakhstan remains limited. This study aimed to assess knowledge and behaviors associated with healthy eating and food hygiene among adolescents in Karaganda, Central Kazakhstan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 students aged 11-18 years from six schools. Data were collected using a bilingual questionnaire and analyzed using Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Girls were significantly more likely than boys to demonstrate knowledge of healthy eating and food hygiene practices. According to parental reports, 61.5% of adolescents consumed fruit daily, whereas daily fast-food consumption was reported in 7.7% of boys and 7.5% of girls. Food-outsourcing company reports showed that complete meals and drinking water were available in all participating schools; however, dairy products were available in only half of the school cafeterias. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified sex- and age-related differences in adolescents' knowledge and practices regarding healthy eating and food hygiene. The findings highlight the importance of combining nutrition education with improvements in the school food environment and greater parental involvement to promote healthier dietary behaviors among adolescents.