DIETARY DIVERSITY, EATING HABITS, FOOD GROUP CONSUMPTION PATTERN, FOOD CHOICE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS: A MIXED-METHOD STUDY IN THE MION DISTRICT OF GHANA

Abstract

Understanding adolescents' diet and eating behaviours is crucial for informing public health strategies and policies, allowing interventions to be tailored effectively to enhance dietary patterns and improve overall health and quality of life. This study explored the dietary diversity, eating habits, food group consumption pattern, and food choices among adolescent girls in Northern Ghana. A mixed-method design employing secondary data from in-depth interviews (n=30), two focus group discussions (5 in each group) and survey data from 882 mother daughter pairs was used. Key findings indicate that approximately 90% of girls achieved the minimum dietary diversity for women of reproductive age (MDD-W), with most consuming three meals daily. Staples were eaten daily, while fruits and unhealthy foods were less frequently eaten. Moderate/severe food insecurity reduced the odds of achieving the MDD-W (AOR= 0.32; 95% CI (0.14, 0.72); P = 0.006), whereas larger household size was positively correlated with the MDD-W (AOR 1.08; 95% CI (1.02, 1.13); P = 0.005). Older girls were less likely to eat breakfast (AOR 0.77; 95 % C.I (0.65, 0.90); (P< 0.001), while household crop farm diversity increased the odds of eating supper on weekends (AOR 1.63; 95 % C.I (1.34, 1.97); P< 0.001). Moderate/severe food insecurity (P< 0.001) was inversely associated with intake of animal sourced foods (ASFs), fruits, and unhealthy foods but positively correlated with vegetable consumption in the past month. Maternal non-literacy (P< 0.001) was linked to a lower intake of unhealthy foods, while specific ethnic backgrounds (P = 0.037) negatively influenced ASFs intake. Wealthier households (P = 0.008, 0.004) demonstrated higher consumption of staples. Qualitatively, health considerations, availability, taste, and cravings were major influencers of food choices. In conclusion, the findings underscore the significant impact of food security, household size, and socio-economic factors on the DD and meal patterns of adolescent girls in Ghana. Implementing school-based nutrition programs, educational campaigns, food security and livelihood improvement as well as empowerment interventions could help improve the diet and overall health of adolescents