Drivers of Food Choice Among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Model

Abstract

Background

Ethiopia is one of the developing countries hit by the double burden of malnutrition both under and over nutrition. Inappropriate food choice decisions are among the reasons for the problem, which are poorly investigated in the country, and it is concerned with providing information about the drivers of food choice decision-making process behavior that reflects the behavior of the young population, particularly in college students, which provides a window of opportunity for nutritional interventions. Therefore, this study aims to assess drivers of food choice among college students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods and Materials

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 students who were selected using multistage sampling. For analysis, data were input into Epi Info version 7 and exported to STATA version 16.0. To summarize the data, descriptive measures such as frequencies, percentages, and summary measures were employed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed using a structural equation model to identify the driving factors of food choice.

Results

Mood, health concern, sensory appeal, price, convenience, and familiarity were identified as drivers of food choice with significant factor loadings (p < 0.001) and acceptable internal consistency of items (α=0.91). However, the naturalness of the dietary composition and weight concerns have received the least attention.

Conclusion

The study identified various biological, social, and economic factors that drive food choice decisions. Effective nutrition education and preventive interventions should be implemented to reduce unhealthy food decisions among college students through promoting favorable food choice decisions.

Keywords:

• food drivers
• food choice
• confirmatory analysis
• SEM
• Ethiopia
• college students

Abbreviations

CFA, Confirmatory Factor Analysis; EDHS, Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey; EFA, Exploratory Factor Analysis; FBDGS, Food-Based Dietary Guidelines; FRO, Food Retail Outlet(s); NCDS, Non-Communicable Diseases.

Data Sharing Statement

The datasets used in this work are accessible upon reasonable request from the corresponding author.

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

Haramaya University’s Institutional Health Research Ethics Review Committee (IHRERC) granted ethical approval. The selected colleges were then sent an official letter of collaboration and support from Haramaya University’s CHMS. After explaining the purpose, risks, and benefits of the study, informed voluntary written and signed consent was obtained from the college presidents/deans and each study participant. The participants’ confidentiality was protected by removing personal identifiers from the data gathering instruments. Furthermore, conventional precautions were taken to safeguard data collectors, supervisors, and research participants from the possibility of COVID-19. The entire ethical procedure adheres to the Helsinki Declaration.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Haramaya University and Addis Continental Institute of Public Health for their invaluable and unreserved support during the development of this research work. Finally, our gratitude goes to study participants, college deans’ and data collectors. This paper is based on the thesis of Hiwot Berhanu. It has been published on the institutional website: http://ir.haramaya.edu.et/hru/handle/123456789/4830.

Author Contributions

All of the authors made significant contributions to the article reported, whether in the conception, study design, data acquisition, analysis, and interpretations, or in all of these areas; participated in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; provided final approval of the version to be published; agreed on the journal to which the article was submitted; and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest in this work.