Socio-economic Factors as Correlates of Meal Skipping and Poor Eating Habits among Ghanaian Adolescents
Osei Jonathan K. *
Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.
Brobbey Emmanuel O.
Department of Physician Assistantship Medical, College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo, Ghana.
Appiah Nathaniel O.
Department of Medical Diagnostics, College of Health Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.
Panti Jesus S.
Department of Mental Health, College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo, Ghana.
Abalem Juliana
School of International Education, Hainan Medical University, China.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
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.
Keywords: Meal skipping, poor eating habits, socio-economic factors, adolescents, food insecurity, dietary behaviors