Food and Nutrition Literacy and Dietary Behaviors among Lower Secondary School Students in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Food and nutrition literacy (FNL) is an important determinant of healthy dietary behaviors among adolescents. This study examined the relationship between FNL and dietary consumption behaviors among lower secondary school students in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 584 Grade 7-9 students selected through multistage sampling from six schools between July and November 2025. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing FNL (functional, interactive, and critical domains) and dietary consumption behaviors. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Participants demonstrated a moderate overall level of FNL (mean=3.04±0.48), while dietary consumption behaviors were low (mean=2.16±0.16). Overall FNL was positively correlated with dietary behaviors (r=0.509, p<0.001). Functional (r=0.250), interactive (r=0.155), and critical literacy (r=0.206) were also significantly associated with dietary behaviors (all p<0.001). Multiple regression identified FNL (β=0.502, p<0.001) as the strongest predictor of dietary behaviors, with gender also significant (β=0.149, p<0.001). The model explained 29.7% of the variance in dietary behaviors (R²=0.297). Female students reported significantly higher FNL and healthier dietary behaviors than males. Conclusions: Food and nutrition literacy is strongly associated with healthier dietary behaviors among adolescents. Interventions strengthening nutrition literacy, particularly interactive and critical skills, may improve dietary practices.