Dietary patterns of urban adults in benin: relationship with overall diet quality and socio-demographic characteristics.

Objectives:To identify dietary patterns of urban Beninese adults and explore their links with overall diet quality and socio-demographics.Subjects and methods:A sample of 200 men and women aged 25-60 years was randomly selected in 10 neighbourhoods. Food intake was assessed through three non-consecutive 24 h food recalls. Dietary patterns were examined using cluster analysis. Diet quality was assessed based on diversity, a micronutrient adequacy score (MAS) and a healthfulness score (HS). Socio-demographics were documented using a questionnaire.Results:Two distinct dietary patterns emerged: a ‘traditional’ type (66% of the subjects) and a ‘transitional’ type (34%). Subjects with a ‘transitional diet’ were predominantly from the upper socioeconomic status or born in the city. Compared with the traditional type, the ‘transitional diet’ had a significantly higher percentage of energy from fat (17.6 vs 15.5%), saturated fat (5.9 vs 5.2%) and sugar (6.3 vs 5.0%). It was also significantly higher in cholesterol and lower in fibre. The ‘transitional diet’ was more diversified, but it also showed a lower HS than the ‘traditional diet’. Mean intake of fruit was low in both clusters (<16 g day(-1)). A higher intake of vegetables was associated with both a higher MAS (P<0.001) and a higher HS (P<0.001).Conclusions:The dietary transition is evidenced in this study, although both dietary patterns were still low in fat and sugar. Programmes focusing on the prevention of diet-related chronic diseases in this population should encourage the maintenance of the healthful elements of the diets, while emphasizing consumption of fruits and vegetables.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 12 September 2007; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602906.