The Relationship Between Food Security, Dietary Intake, Physical Activity Levels and Glycaemic Status of Adults in A Peri-Urban Community in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose: Diabetes is a serious global public health issue with increasing prevalence over the years especially in developing countries. This study assessed the relationship between food security, dietary intake, physical activity levels and blood glucose levels of adults in a peri-urban community in Ghana.

Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 94 participants were recruited and quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographics, anthropometry, fasting blood glucose (FBG), dietary intake, physical activity and food security data were collected. Findings: Of the 94 eligible respondents aged 18 years and above, 37.2% were men while 62.8% were women. The mean age, BMI and FBG levels were 33.3 years, 26.8 kg/m2 and 6.4 mmol/L respectively. About 27.7% of the participants were food insecure. Average calorie intake was 3244.20 kcal and this had a significant association with blood glucose status (p <0.001). Prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 71.3% (range: FBG = 5.7 - 6.9 mmol/L) and 19.1% (range: FBG ≥ 7mmol/L) in the prediabetes and diabetes range respectively. About 52.1% of the population were physically active with males being more physically active (54.3%) than females (50.8%). Total energy intake (p < 0.001) and BMI levels (p = 0.009) were significantly associated with the FBG levels. There was however no significant relationship between physical activity, food security and FBG.

Conclusion: Stakeholders should design plans to encourage a balanced diet, enough physical exercise, and a healthy weight in the municipality in order to curb the prevalence of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in the study population.