Socio-economic differences in adolescents’ breakfast eating, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in Ghana

Abstract

Objective: Few studies have investigated the association between adolescents' socio-economic status (SES) and health behaviours in developing countries. Socio-economic differences in breakfast eating, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity were investigated among Ghanaian adolescents. Design: A school-based survey of 12-18-year-olds (n 1195, response rate 89?7 %) was conducted in 2008. Logistic regression analyses were applied to study the associations between breakfast eating, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, and SES. Setting: Southern Ghana, West Africa. Subjects: School pupils aged 12-18 years. Results: Of all adolescents, 31 % took breakfast less than 4 d/week, over half (56 %) and 48 %, respectively, rarely ate fruits and vegetables. Younger adolescents (12-15-year-olds) consumed fruits and vegetables frequently compared with older ones (16-18-year-olds). Boys were more likely to participate in physical activity than girls. The probability of frequent breakfast eating was higher in adolescents from more affluent backgrounds than in those from less affluent ones. Compared with those whose mothers were illiterate, both tertiary and primary maternal educational attainment increased the probability of frequent fruit intake. Similarly, tertiary educational attainment increased the likelihood of frequent vegetable intake. Compared with those with unemployed mothers, mothers' low employment grade was related to higher probability of frequent fruit intake. High school performance was associated with frequent fruit intake, whereas high or medium school performance increased the likelihood of vegetable intake compared with low school performance. Conclusions: Interventions are needed to improve breakfast intake, fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in order to prevent degenerative diseases among Ghanaian adolescents.

Perceived social support and parental education as determinants of adolescents’ physical activity and eating behaviour: a cross-sectional survey

“…In line with previous studies, the results showed significant gender differences in physical activity and eating behaviour combined, with boys more likely to engage in physical activity than girls (20,24), and girls also more likely to engage in healthy eating behaviour than boys (25). Social pressure and individual's sense of body image on the part of girls may also explain why girls were more likely to engage in healthy eating behaviour than boys.…”

“…This finding is consistent with that of previous research studies that have found that higher socioeconomic groups have healthier diets because they may have higher educational levels and may be more health conscious and have healthier lifestyles including eating behaviour (e.g. higher intakes of fruit, lean meat, oily fish, wholemeal products, and raw vegetables) (16,20,36 In spite of the potential contributions of this study, there are some limitations that must be noted. Although the sample consists of Senior High School adolescents, it only comprised of second-year and third-year students thereby diminishing the ability to generalise the findings to all Senior High School students across Ghana.…”

“…For example, boys were found to engage in more physical activity than girls just as younger adolescents were more likely to eat fruits and vegetables than older adolescents (20). (24) found that boys of middle school age are more physically active than their female counterparts.…”

Nutritional Status, Dietary Practices and Physical Activities of Adolescents in Public and Private Schools of Karachi, Pakistan

“…[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] In addition, skipping breakfast has been associated with poor nutritional status, increased body adiposity and risk of chronic diseases. 2,36,37 The results are in agreement with earlier researchers [38][39][40] who reported that adolescents from affluent families had better quality breakfast than those belonging to the lower socioeconomic group and that skipping breakfast unhealthy dietary practices were more prevalent among adolescent girls.…”

The Physical and Behavioural Consequences of Facebook Use among University Students

“…A possible explanation for this relationship could be due to the fact that students who use Facebook excessively stay online late into the night and may get up too late and therefore likely to skip breakfast before classes. Again in Ghana, it is estimated that about 52% of the populations are below the poverty line, and therefore less likely to be concerned about breakfast, as planning what and when to eat could be considered as luxury (Doku, Koivusilta, Raisamo, & Rimpelä, 2013). It is however, important for health interventions to address the high rate of skipping breakfast reported in this study as regular intake of breakfast increases the possibility of a balanced diet and improves overall nutritional status and nutritional density, particularly during the early phases of life ( Nicklas, O'Niel, & Meyers, 2004).…”