Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in Ghana
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Ghana Med J
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the food consumption pattern and dietary diversity of a vegetarian population in the
Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to examine the nutritional status of four (4) vegetarian groups in the
Greater Accra Region of Ghana. One hundred and twenty-two (122) vegetarians were recruited using the total enu meration technique. Food consumption pattern and dietary diversity were assessed using a validated qualitative food
frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall, respectively. Dietary diversity was calculated using the FAO
guidelines.
Results: Sixty eight percent (68%) of the vegetarians reported daily intakes of vegetable protein. Majority of the
vegetarians (80.6%) reported daily intakes of cereals and grains while 54% reported daily intakes of tubers. Eighty
two percent (82%) and 72% of the vegetarians consumed vegetables and fruits on daily basis respectively. A few of
the vegetarians (29%) reported daily intakes of fruit juices. Soft drinks, deep fried foods and fast foods were occa sionally consumed. About 40.3% of the vegetarians obtained a dietary diversity score of four (4). Majority of them
(68.9%) had low dietary diversity.
Conclusion: The vegetarians had low dietary diversity which may lead to inadequate nutrient intakes. Thus, there is
the need for nutrition-related professionals to give appropriate information on a vegetarian diet and educate vegetarians to include a variety of foods in their diet.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Food consumption pattern, dietary diversity, vegetarians