(P24-052-24) Exploring Adolescents’ Food Preferences and Perceptions of “Healthy Foods” in Ghana: Insights From a Photo Sorting Activity

Objectives: Adolescents in Ghana have low dietary diversity and poor nutritional status. Poor diet during adolescence can lead to diet-related chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. We aimed to explore the food preferences and perceptions of healthy foods among adolescents (11-15 years) attending junior high schools (JHS).

Methods: We purposively selected groups of 7-10 students from 4 public junior high schools in the Cape Coast metropolitan area, Ghana. Each group sorted photos of food and beverage items first into preferred/ not preferred foods and then by healthy/unhealthy categories. Following the sorting, facilitators probed participants for the reasons behind their choices. We used thematic analysis to describe the reasons behind their choices.

Results: All groups preferred some foods (bofrot [fried doughnut], gobe [bean stew], okra, waakye [boiled beans and rice], etc.), carbonated beverages, and snacks (cookies, ice cream, pancakes, etc). This was attributed to factors such as affordability, good taste, availability on the school premises, quick preparation time, and the ability to provide satiety throughout the day. Conversely, papaya, garden egg stew, and palm nut soup were not liked due to their perceived high cost and the tendency to stain students’ school uniforms. Similarly, 37 foods out of the 62 foods were classified as “healthy” due to their high nutrient density, nutrient balance, and the use of nutritious ingredients and appropriate meal preparation methods. Participants classified foods as “unhealthy” due to their high oil/sugar/artificial spice content, fear of potential health risk factors, and belief in some food myths. Despite being considered unhealthy, carbonated drinks, ice cream, fries, gizzard, grilled sausage, spaghetti, and candy were preferred by all or most study participants. Bean stew, boiled yam, cocoa tea, garden egg stew, grilled fish, soy milk, and sugar cane were considered healthy, but not preferred.

Conclusions: Food preferences of Ghanaian adolescents are influenced by a combination of factors relating to cost, availability, taste, and satiety of food which are independent of the health considerations of these foods. Adolescents may prefer certain foods that are commonly deemed unhealthy by their standards.

Funding Sources: NIH FIC & OBSSR, UC Global Health Institute, Fulbright US Student Program