Adherence to Pakistan Dietary Guidelines – Findings from Major Cities of Pakistan

Ibrar  Rafique; Muhammad Arif Nadeem Saqib; Nighat  Murad; Muhammad Kashif Munir; Aftab  Khan; Rabia  Irshad; Tayyaba  Rahat; Saima  Naz

doi:10.29054/apmc/2023.1327

Ibrar Rafique Research Officer, Health Research Institute, NIH, (Ex-PHRC), Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Islamabad Pakistan
Muhammad Arif Nadeem Saqib Professor, Department of Medical laboratory Technology, National Skills University, Islamabad Pakistan
Nighat Murad Chief Research Officer, Health Research Institute, NIH, (Ex-PHRC), Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Islamabad Pakistan
Muhammad Kashif Munir Research Officer, HRI (Ex-PHRC) Research Centre, King Edward Medical University, Lahore Pakistan
Aftab Khan Research Officer, HRI, (Ex-PHRC) Research Centre, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar Pakistan
Rabia Irshad Research Officer, HRI, (Ex-PHRC) Research Centre, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi Pakistan
Tayyaba Rahat Statistical Officer, Health Research Institute, NIH, (Ex-PHRC), Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Islamabad Pakistan
Saima Naz Research Officer, Health Research Institute, NIH, (Ex-PHRC), Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat, Islamabad Pakistan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2023.1327

Keywords: Dietary guidelines, Nutrition, Pakistan, Adherence

Abstract

Background: Pakistan dietary guidelines for better nutrition were developed to cater the local need and prevent nutritional deficiency by providing information to public about healthy eating practices. Objective: To assess the level of adherence to Pakistan Dietary Guidelines for Better Nutrition (PDGN). Study Design: Community-based cross-sectional survey. Settings: 05 cities including Federal Capital (Islamabad) and Provincial Capitals (Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta). Duration: The study was conducted in 2018-2019. Methods: It was a community-based study conducted in five cities with two stage stratified sampling approach. Total of 448 participants were interviewed using Food frequency questionnaire adapted to local context. Five food groups (proteins, cereals, dairy, vegetables and fruits) were taken as per country guidelines. A score point of 1 was given to each food group making a total of 5 scores. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Overall adherence to PDGN was poor as none of the participants had 05 score while only 1% achieved score 04. However, adherence was more in females (B = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.24; 0.66), graduates (B = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25; 0.64), unmarried (B = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.18; 0.43), unemployed (B = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.01-0.43) and aged >50 years (B = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.08; 0.60) as compared to others. Among food groups, mean intake of cereals (carbohydrates) was high (3.38±1.39) followed by other items with fruits was least (0.76±0.91). Overall, at least one serving of discretionary food was taken by participants which was more female gender (p= 0.001), graduates (p= 0.003), high socio-economic group (p=0.001) and employed persons (p= 0.04). Conclusion: The adherence to PDGN was poor and there is a need to bring behavior change by information education and communication to the society.