Dietary patterns of urban adults in Benin: relationship with overall diet quality and socio-demographic characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To identify dietary patterns of urban Beninese adults and explore their links with overall diet quality and socio-demographics.


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.
Sodjinou
R
R
TRANSNUT, WHO Collaborating Centre on Nutrition Changes and Development, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Agueh
V
V
Fayomi
B
B
Delisle
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001541:Benin; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004034:Diet Surveys; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018977:Micronutrients; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health
D018977:Micronutrients