Assessment of Women’s Dietary Diversity in Southern Senegal

Jean Augustin Diégane Tine,Khadim Niang,Adama Faye,Anta Tal Dia

doi:10.4236/fns.2018.910086

Abstract

Introduction: Lack of dietary diversity is a nutritional problem among poor people in developing countries whose daily diet is usually based on a starch source with one or two additional components. Senegal has food insecure regions such as Kolda and Kedougou despite improved agricultural production. This study aims to investigate the determinants of dietary diversity in the Kolda and Kedougou regions. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic household-level study in two southern regions of Senegal (Kolda and Kedougou) between October and December 2015. This was a three-stage random sample survey. Dietary diversity in women of reproductive age was measured using the Women’s Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The WDDS is a global qualitative indicator of nutrition, which counts the number of food groups consumed by a person in the 24 hours preceding the survey. The data was collected during an individual interview. Linear regression was used to identify the associated factors of dietary diversity. The free and informed consent of the individuals surveyed and the protection of anonymity were respected. Results: A total of 1926 women were surveyed. The mean of WDDS was 2.9 with a standard deviation of 1.4. The Kedougou department has a better WDDS with 3.3 (±1.2) followed by the Kolda department with a score of 3.2 (±1.3). The higher the household’s welfare score, the better the WDDS with a s coefficient of 0.11 [0.09 - 0.13]. Households that are in urban areas have a better score than households in rural areas (0.27 [0.13 - 0.41]). The improvement of knowledge in food diversification, in good culinary practice improves the dietary diversity score in women. Conclusion: The WDDS is low in the southern regions of Senegal. To improve dietary diversification in this area, the practice of good cooking practices, the accessibility of micronutrient-rich foods, and the decision-making power of women in the household should be promoted.

Highlights

Lack of dietary diversity is a nutritional problem among poor people in developing countries whose daily diet is usually based on a starch source with one or two additional components
This study aims to investigate the determinants of dietary diversity in the Kolda and Kedougou regions
The analysis showed that the more households living in an urbanized area have a better Women’s Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) than those living in rural areas (0.27 [0.13-0.41])

Summary

Introduction

Lack of dietary diversity is a nutritional problem among poor people in developing countries whose daily diet is usually based on a starch source with one or two additional components. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic household-level study in two southern regions of Senegal (Kolda and Kedougou) between October and December 2015. This was a three-stage random sample survey. Dietary diversity is an important concept in the fight against malnutrition, whether by excess or by default in all age groups, especially in developing countries. It is the secret of a healthy and balanced diet for women. Dietary diversity determines the number of different food groups consumed by an individual or household over a given period of time. Experiments measuring dietary diversity in Africa are rare and are more common in young children [5] [6]

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Conclusion