Abstract
Introduction: Diet is a determinant of chronic non transmissible diseases. The aim of this study was to describe pupils’ diet in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from March to April 2016, among 1st, 4th and 7th form pupils of public and private schools in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. Diet survey methods were a reminder of the last 24 hours and the questionnaire of consumption frequency. Results: A total of 1993 pupils were surveyed. The mean age was 17.5 ± 3.6 years and the sex ratio 0.7. The majority of pupils (90.5%) reported eating at least 3 meals a day. Dietary recommendations were different according to food groups. For example, vegetables (90.0%), fruits (75.4%) and dairy products (79.3%) were the least well consumed foods compared to recommendations. Protein and starch intake were inadequate among these pupils with 39.7% and 58.2% respectively. Almost 1/4 had a regular weekly alcohol consumption (23.4%) while an excessive consumption of sweet drinks and fried foods was noted in 12.7% and 28.2% of them, respectively. Conclusion: This study has revealed a general insufficiency in the recommended dietary intakes of fruit, vegetables, proteins, starchy foods and dairy products among pupils, and on the other hand, a regular consumption of fatty, sugary and alcoholic foods for about a fifth of them. An intervention program such as “Communication for Continuous Behavior Change” would help improve these habits.
Highlights
Diet is a determinant of chronic non transmissible diseases
This study has revealed a general insufficiency in the recommended dietary intakes of fruit, vegetables, proteins, starchy foods and dairy products among pupils, and on the other hand, a regular consumption of fatty, sugary and alcoholic foods for about a fifth of them
Apart from hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle and smoking, food behaviors such as the low consumption of fruits and vegetables, the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are currently recognized as cardiovascular risk factors through nontransmissible diseases (NTDs) [1]
Summary
Diet is a determinant of chronic non transmissible diseases. The aim of this study was to describe pupils’ diet in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso). Conclusion: This study has revealed a general insufficiency in the recommended dietary intakes of fruit, vegetables, proteins, starchy foods and dairy products among pupils, and on the other hand, a regular consumption of fatty, sugary and alcoholic foods for about a fifth of them. An intervention program such as “Communication for Continuous Behavior Change” would help improve these habits. Apart from hypertension, obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle and smoking, food behaviors such as the low consumption of fruits and vegetables, the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages are currently recognized as cardiovascular risk factors through nontransmissible diseases (NTDs) [1]. In the United States, studies have shown a deterioration in the quality of the diet and a decline in the frequency of lunch with age, as well as an increase in snacks among pupils; while children who have lunch regularly tend to have a better diet than those who do not [4] [5]
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