Predictors of food variety and food consumption scores of adolescents living in a rural district in Ghana

Abstract

Introduction There is a dearth of information about the food variety and consumption scores of adolescents in Ghana. This study assessed predictors of food variety and consumption scores of adolescents living in a rural district in Ghana. Method In this cross-sectional study, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select one hundred and thirty-seven (137) adolescents from the Asante-Akim South Municipality of Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, food practices and dietary intakes of study participants. Descriptive, chi-square, T-test, partial correlation and binary logistic regression were used for the data analysis. Results The mean food variety score was 25.8±6.4 (range 7–42) and food consumption score was 35±5.1 (range 18.6–49.9). Food variety score was significantly (p<0.05) associated with guardian income status. A significant and positive partial correlation existed between food variety score and calcium intake (r = 0.236, p<0.05). About 49% and 51% of adolescents were food insecure and food secure, respectively. Food consumption score had significant association (p<0.05) with gender (X2 = 6.1), residence (X2 = 7.0), frequency of meal (X2 = 6.8) and food variety score (X2 = 5.4). Adolescent male (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.2–4.6), p = 0.017), peri-urban residency (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.4), p = 0.036), having three or more meals per day (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.3–13.6), p = 0.018), and a high food variety score (AOR = 2.1, 95%CI (1.0–4.2), p = 0.041) significantly predicted food consumption scores. Conclusion Moderate income status was associated with food variety score in our study participants. Linear relationship existed between food variety and calcium intake. Adolescent males, peri-urban residency, frequency of meals and high food variety score were the predictors of food consumption score. Nutrition-specific and nutrition sensitive programmes aimed at promoting adolescent health should involve guardians.