AUTHOR=Wanjohi Milkah N. , Asiki Gershim , Wilunda Calistus , Holdsworth Michelle , Pradeilles Rebecca , Paulo Linda Simon , Langat Nelson , Amugsi Dickson A. , Kimenju Simon , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin 

TITLE=Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Is Associated With Poor Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake Among Adolescents in Urban Slums, Kenya

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 69 - 2024

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2024.1607891

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2024.1607891

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=Objective: To assess the caloric contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), factors associated with UPFs energy intake and association between UPFs energy intake, diet quality and nutrient intake among adolescents in urban slums, Kenya.A cross-sectional household study amongst adolescents (10-19 years, N=621)) collected socio-demographic and dietary intake data. Global-diet-quality-score (GDQS); mean and percentage total energy intake (%TEI) from UPFs; and nutrient intakes were computed.Regression analysis assessed the factors associated with UPFs energy intake, and association between %TEI from UPFs and diet quality.Results: Mean daily energy intake was 1604 kcal (±550), 25.2% from UPFs. Higher leisure screen time (≥ 2 hours/day, (OR=1.9 (1.2-3.1)) was associated with UPFs energy intake.Household wealth index (quintile five (OR =2.6(1.3-6.0)) was associated with non-UPFs energy intake. UPFs (%TEI) was inversely associated with GDQS score (quartile four, (β=-2.9(-3.4 --2.1). Adolescents with high %TEI from UPFs (quartile four) had highest total energy, total fat and saturated fat; and lowest protein, fibre, iron, calcium and zinc intake.UPFs contribute substantially to adolescents' energy intake and are linked to poor diet quality and nutrient intake.