Dietary patterns and adiposity risk in young adults aged 18-49, living in urban slums in a metropolitan city in Ghana: Implications on healthy lifestyle practices
1
Department of Dietetics, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A131
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Dietary behaviour in urban slums in Ghana has undergone significant transformation due to rapid urbanization. This transition is characterized by increased consumption of energy-dense and processed foods, leading to rising levels of adiposity and associated health risks. This study explored dietary patterns in relation to adiposity among young adults aged 18–49 years living in selected urban slum communities in Accra. Additionally, socioeconomic and environmental determinants of dietary behaviour were examined within this vulnerable population.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 200 respondents selected using stratified sampling from three urban slum communities in the Ablekuma West District of Accra. Data was collected using socio-demographic questionnaires and Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adiposity was assessed using bio-impedance analysis , waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Dietary patterns were identified using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation, and associations with adiposity were examined using multinomial logistic regression.
RESULTS:
Two major dietary patterns emerged. The Mixed Pattern, which explained 47% of total variance, included a wide range of food groups such as carbohydrates, animal products, vegetables, legumes, fats, and refined sugars. Although indicative of dietary diversity, this pattern included unhealthy components. The High Carbohydrate and High Alcohol Pattern explained 12% variance and was characterized by high intake of carbohydrates and alcohol. This pattern was significantly associated with increased adiposity risk (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.14–3.32; p = 0.013), representing nearly a two-fold risk. The Mixed Pattern showed no significant association with adiposity.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study identified unhealthy dietary patterns dominated by processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined cereals, which were strongly associated with increased obesity risk. Financial constraints influence food choices, encouraging consumption of low-cost, high-calorie foods. Public health interventions should prioritize affordable healthy food options and targeted nutrition education to reduce obesity and related non-communicable diseases among urban slum populations.
Dietary behaviour in urban slums in Ghana has undergone significant transformation due to rapid urbanization. This transition is characterized by increased consumption of energy-dense and processed foods, leading to rising levels of adiposity and associated health risks. This study explored dietary patterns in relation to adiposity among young adults aged 18–49 years living in selected urban slum communities in Accra. Additionally, socioeconomic and environmental determinants of dietary behaviour were examined within this vulnerable population.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 200 respondents selected using stratified sampling from three urban slum communities in the Ablekuma West District of Accra. Data was collected using socio-demographic questionnaires and Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adiposity was assessed using bio-impedance analysis , waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Dietary patterns were identified using Principal Component Analysis with Varimax rotation, and associations with adiposity were examined using multinomial logistic regression.
RESULTS:
Two major dietary patterns emerged. The Mixed Pattern, which explained 47% of total variance, included a wide range of food groups such as carbohydrates, animal products, vegetables, legumes, fats, and refined sugars. Although indicative of dietary diversity, this pattern included unhealthy components. The High Carbohydrate and High Alcohol Pattern explained 12% variance and was characterized by high intake of carbohydrates and alcohol. This pattern was significantly associated with increased adiposity risk (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.14–3.32; p = 0.013), representing nearly a two-fold risk. The Mixed Pattern showed no significant association with adiposity.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study identified unhealthy dietary patterns dominated by processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined cereals, which were strongly associated with increased obesity risk. Financial constraints influence food choices, encouraging consumption of low-cost, high-calorie foods. Public health interventions should prioritize affordable healthy food options and targeted nutrition education to reduce obesity and related non-communicable diseases among urban slum populations.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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