Assessment of Dietary Habits and Sociodemographic Profiles in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Region
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: A healthy and varied diet plays a fundamental role in supporting balanced physical development, maintaining overall health, and mitigating the risk of chronic diseases. Understanding dietary habits is essential for designing effective interventions and promoting nutritional well-being. This study investigates the dietary habits of individuals in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, with a focus on sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, meal consumption patterns and food choices. The findings aim to highlight gender-specific trends and general dietary behaviors within the population. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational study design was employed to evaluate dietary habits. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire in two phases: the first phase focused on sociodemographic and anthropometric information, while the second captured detailed dietary habits. A total of 1,012 participants were recruited, comprising 60.4% females and 39.6% males. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (version 22) and Chi-square tests were applied to identify significant relationships between variables. Body Mass Index (BMI) categories were calculated and dietary habits were analyzed by gender. Result: The study population was predominantly female (60.4%) and included a higher proportion of younger individuals, with 45.4% aged 18-30 years. Most participants (85.9%) had university-level education and civil servants represented the largest professional group (52.9%). Females were overrepresented among unemployed participants, while married individuals comprised the majority (54.8%) of family statuses. BMI analysis indicated that overweight and obesity were more prevalent among females, whereas males dominated the underweight category (p = 0.0005). Regarding dietary habits, 53.6% of participants consumed four meals daily, with 80.7% consuming bread and pastries daily and 60.2% consuming fruits and vegetables 4-5 times weekly. Frequent consumption of meat and poultry was observed, with females showing higher intake levels. No significant gender differences were found in fish/seafood, cereals, or dairy product consumption and snack and sweet product consumption patterns were consistent across genders.
Institutions: Université Ibn-Tofail, Université Hassan 1er
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413348243