Predisposing, facilitating and reinforcing factors of healthy and unhealthy food consumption in schoolchildren: a study in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

Abstract:Objective: African schoolchildren's dietary habits are likely changing in the realm of the nutrition transition, particularly in urban areas, but data on their diet and on determinants are scanty. In order to design relevant interventions for this priority target group, the study aimed to assess food habits and their determinants in schoolchildren of Ouagadougou. Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, fifth-grade schoolchildren filled during school hours a questionnaire to assess consumption frequency of 'healthy' foods (fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, legumes) and 'unhealthy' (superfluous) items (cake, cookies, candies, ice, soda) and underlying factors, using Green's PRECEDE model. Results:The study included 769 schoolchildren, mean age 11.7 ± 1.4 years, from eight public and four private schools. Consumption scores of unhealthy items were significantly higher than healthy foods (p = 0.001). During the week prior to the survey, 25% of children had eaten no fruit, 20% no meat, 20% no legumes, 17% no fish and 17% no vegetables. While less than 4% ate fruits or vegetables every day, 18.3% ate ice pop every day. Children eating cookies, cakes and candy every day were up to seven-fold those eating fruits, vegetables or legumes. Compared to public-school pupils, those from private schools consumed both healthy and unhealthy items more frequently (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007, respectively). Urban schoolchildren had significantly higher unhealthy food scores (p = 0.027) compared to peri-urban schools. Children's healthy and unhealthy food consumption was primarily explained by perceived decisional power and availability [facilitating factors] for both types of foods, and maternal reinforcement for healthy foods and peers' reinforcement for consumption of unhealthy items. Overall, facilitating factors rated higher for unhealthy than healthy foods. Conclusion: The study showed that city schoolchildren's eating behaviours are far from optimal. Nutrition interventions should be tailored to address the underlying factors in order to impact on behaviours, thereby preventing both dietary inadequacies and excess. (Global Health Promotion, 2013; 20(1): 68-77)

An overview of the nutrition transition in West Africa: implications for non-communicable diseases

“…Unhealthy eating in West Africa begins early in life. Only 4 % of fifth-grade children aged 12 years in Ouagadougou reported eating fruit or vegetables daily, whereas nearly five times as many ate ice pop daily (21) . Those reporting daily consumption of cakes or candies were twice those eating fruit, vegetables or legumes daily.…”

Diet, Nutritional Status and School Performance of Schoolchildren in the District of Abidjan: Case of Yopougon and Bingerville

“…The average age of schoolchildren was 10.92 ± 1.32 years in this study, and is approximately the same as the study population of on predisposing, facilitating and enhancing food consumption factors health and non-health among schoolchildren in Ouagadougou [12]. Overweight / Obesity N = number of respondents; BMI = body mass index for age; OR = Odds Ratio; P-value is significant at p <0.05 Table 4: Multivariate logistic regression between school performance and socio-demographic characteristics of schoolchildren in Yopougon and Bingerville (N = 426)…”

“…Thus, the question asked to students was, during 7 days was: how many days did you eat these foods? These different foods concerned vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, liver, tofu and caramel, candy and chewing gum, biscuits and chocolates, yoghurt and dairy products and sweetened beverages [12].…”

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Associated Features in 5th Grade Schoolchildren in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (West Africa)

“…In a previous paper [23], we reported that although the prevalence of overweight/obesity in urban schoolchildren of Ouagadougou was still low, it was double that reported 10 years ago [24]. Eating behaviours conducive to obesity tended to be widespread in these schoolchildren [25]. Other risk factors include early nutrition and family history.…”