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 24h 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.