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. 2024 Nov 14;21(1):92.
doi: 10.1186/s12986-024-00859-z.

Exploratory dietary patterns, the global diet quality score, and their associated socio-demographic factors among young adults in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study using a food list-validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire

Phenias Nsabimana  1   2 , Befikadu Tariku Gutema  3 , Kate Langley  4 , Hilda Vasanthakaalam  1   5 , Stefaan De Henauw  2 , Jérome W Somé #  6 , Souheila Abbeddou #  2
Affiliations

Exploratory dietary patterns, the global diet quality score, and their associated socio-demographic factors among young adults in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study using a food list-validated, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire

Phenias Nsabimana et al. Nutr Metab (Lond). .

Abstract

Background: Economic growth in Rwanda is associated with significant changes in food systems, access to health and other services, lifestyle, and nutritional transitions. Nevertheless, our knowledge of dietary patterns in Rwanda remains limited. The present study aimed to identify the dietary habits of young adult population in Rwanda and to assess associated factors.

Methods: A developed and validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire covering a one-year period was used to collect data on food intake of 1,218 participants (18-35 years old) from end of January to April 2023 in a cross-sectional study. Dietary habits were assessed using two indicators: the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and dietary patterns. The latest was developed using exploratory factor analysis.

Results: Rwandan adults had a mean GDQS of 24.1; 64.4% had high GDQS, especially urban, and educated respondents. The Southern province led at 77.4%. Three dietary patterns were identified: "Modern" (high in processed foods and drinks), "Traditional" (rich in cereals, roots, and plant-based proteins), and "low variety" (low in diverse foods but high in sugar and salt). Dietary patterns significantly varied by residency, province, sex, age, social category, asset, and education level.

Conclusion: This study identified distinct dietary patterns among adult population of Rwanda, suggesting a nutritional transition associated with urbanization. The findings highlight the need for further research into the relationships between diet, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in Rwandan population.

Keywords: Dietary patterns; Exploratory Factor Analysis; Food frequency questionnaire; Global Diet Quality score; Rwanda; Urbanization.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations Ethical approval and consent to participate The study was conducted in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical clearance was obtained from Commission on Medical Ethics of Ghent University (EC/2019/1577) and the University of Rwanda (363/CMHS IRB/2020). Next, the study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (reference number NCT04204538). Authorization letters were requested and obtained from the authorities to get their permission to conduct the study. Data were collected from participants who gave verbal and written informed consent after clearly stating the purpose and motive of the study. Consent for publication Not applicable. Conflict of interest The authors reported no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Global Diet Quality Score categories among young adults in Rwanda, and their distribution by socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), while bars represent the 95% Confidence Interval
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Dietary patterns – Modern, Traditional and Low variety – among young adults in Rwanda by (A) rural and urban setting, (B) province and (C) respondent’s sex. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences (P < 0.05)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Dietary patterns – Modern, Traditional and Low variety – among young adults in Rwanda by (A) social category, (B) asset index and (C) respondent’s education level. Different letters indicate statistically significant differences (P < 0.05)
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