Social support, food habits and obesity in urban poor communities, Ghana

The study examines the intersection between social support, food habits and health outcomes in Ghana. Patterns of fruit consumption is low in Ghana, we make the argument that fruits are not consumed because they are perceived as not filling or “heavy”, in a situation where people are managing food insecurity fruit consumption is not on the list of prioritised meals even with social supports. The data analysed are from the second round of the EDULINK project in three urban communities in Accra (659 individuals). Social support was measured by participant’s ability to ask for food help from neighbours. The total number of times fruits were consumed in a week was estimated for each participant using a food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index was measured using the body weight and height. Half of the respondents (50.1%) considered asking food help from neighbours. Fruit consumption ranged from 0-42 times in a week. About 42% of the sample was overweight/obese. Asking for food help from neighbours was decreased fruit consumption. Increase in fruit consumption decreased the probability of been overweight/obese. Age, sex and educational level of respondents were the main predictors of overweight/obesity. When people are asking for foods from neighbours fruits may not be on list of foods asked because of its cultural value.