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Research Article Open access CC BY 4.0

Socio-economic Factors as Correlates of Meal Skipping and Poor Eating Habits among Ghanaian Adolescents

Osei Jonathan K., Brobbey Emmanuel O., Appiah Nathaniel O., Panti Jesus S., Abalem Juliana

Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition · pp. 1259–1269 · Published 14 Dec 2024

10.9734/ajfrn/2024/v3i4214

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between socio-economic factors, meal skipping, and poor eating habits among Ghanaian adolescents, with a focus on identifying the prevalence of these behaviors and their underlying determinants. Study Design: A descriptive research design was employed to explore the influence of socioeconomic conditions on dietary behaviors among adolescents in Ghana. Methodology: Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire administered to 310 adolescents selected through convenience sampling. The analysis included descriptive statistics, such as frequencies and means, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation to examine the relationships between socio-economic factors, meal skipping, and poor eating habits. Results: The findings revealed a high prevalence of meal skipping, with 77.1% frequently skipping breakfast (Mean = 3.21) and a similar percentage relying on street food for lunch due to affordability (Mean = 3.34). Socio-economic factors were moderately correlated with meal skipping (r=0.451, p=0.008) and strongly correlated with poor eating habits (r=0.654, p=0.001). Stress, peer pressure, and cultural norms further exacerbated unhealthy dietary behaviors. Conclusion: Meal skipping and poor eating habits among Ghanaian adolescents are significantly influenced by socio-economic disparities, including financial constraints and limited parental education. These behaviors contribute to nutritional deficiencies, obesity, and diminished cognitive performance, necessitating targeted interventions.

Meal skipping poor eating habits socio-economic factors adolescents food insecurity dietary behaviors

References (7)

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