A Quest for Dietary Guidance in Ethiopia. From Qualitative Research to a Guidelines Proposal

Abstract or Introduction

Properly designed and evidence-based dietary guidelines make it easier for people to adopt healthy eating and lifestyle patterns that would promote their overall health and decrease their risk of acquiring diet-related chronic diseases (DRCDs). However, Ethiopia currently lacks this important public health tool. This study seeks to propose key diet and physical activity recommendations through soliciting experts’ perspectives and critical review of relevant documents.

A qualitative study was conducted in Addis Ababa city among key informants. Experts from eight organizations and institutions having interest in nutrition and health issues were purposively selected. Using a topic guide, data were generated through face-to-face in depth interviews with 10 experts. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematic analysis was performed. To complement with the interview of key informants, reviews of selected global as well as national documents were carried out, and the data generated thereof were summarized.

Diet and health are closely related and nutrient deficiencies, diet–related chronic diseases as well as their risk factors are rampant, while food security remains a concern. Diet and nutrition literacy is said to be low, in Ethiopia. World-wide, about one-third of countries (five in Africa) have dietary guidelines, whose core messages are reasonably similar. Cognizant of the prevailing situation, some national strategic documents and interviewed experts are in favor of placement of dietary guidelines.

The dietary habits and lifestyles of the populace are sub-optimal and they need to be improved timely through multi-sectorial efforts that include nutrition information and education, based on appropriate dietary guidelines.