Original Article

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 222–228; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602906; published online 12 September 2007

Dietary patterns of urban adults in Benin: relationship with overall diet quality and socio-demographic characteristics

Guarantor: H Delisle.

Contributors: HD designed the study. RS collected the data under supervision of HD, BF and VA. RS and HD analysed the data and wrote the first draft of the paper. All the coauthors contributed to the revision and the finalization of the paper.

R Sodjinou1, V Agueh2, B Fayomi3 and H Delisle1

  1. 1TRANSNUT, WHO Collaborating Centre on Nutrition Changes and Development, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  2. 2Institut Régional de Santé Publique (IRSP), Ouidah, Bénin
  3. 3Institut des Sciences Biomédicales Appliquées (ISBA), Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Bénin

Correspondence: Professor H Delisle, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, CP 6128 succursale centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7. E-mail: helene.delisle@umontreal.ca

Received 13 March 2007; Revised 22 July 2007; Accepted 9 August 2007; Published online 12 September 2007.

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Abstract

Objectives:

 

To identify dietary patterns of urban Beninese adults and explore their links with overall diet quality and socio-demographics.

Subjects and methods:

 

A sample of 200 men and women aged 25–60 years was randomly selected in 10 neighbourhoods. Food intake was assessed through three non-consecutive 24 h food recalls. Dietary patterns were examined using cluster analysis. Diet quality was assessed based on diversity, a micronutrient adequacy score (MAS) and a healthfulness score (HS). Socio-demographics were documented using a questionnaire.

Results:

 

Two distinct dietary patterns emerged: a 'traditional' type (66% of the subjects) and a 'transitional' type (34%). Subjects with a 'transitional diet' were predominantly from the upper socioeconomic status or born in the city. Compared with the traditional type, the 'transitional diet' had a significantly higher percentage of energy from fat (17.6 vs 15.5%), saturated fat (5.9 vs 5.2%) and sugar (6.3 vs 5.0%). It was also significantly higher in cholesterol and lower in fibre. The 'transitional diet' was more diversified, but it also showed a lower HS than the 'traditional diet'. Mean intake of fruit was low in both clusters (<16 g day-1). A higher intake of vegetables was associated with both a higher MAS (P<0.001) and a higher HS (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

 

The dietary transition is evidenced in this study, although both dietary patterns were still low in fat and sugar. Programmes focusing on the prevention of diet-related chronic diseases in this population should encourage the maintenance of the healthful elements of the diets, while emphasizing consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Keywords:

dietary patterns, cluster analysis, diet quality, urbanization, Benin, Africa

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