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Dietary quality and overnutrition among adults in Kenya: what role does ICT play?

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  • Elijah N. Muange

    (Machakos University)

  • Marther W. Ngigi

    (Machakos University)

Abstract

Overnutrition affects 2.38 billion people, putting them at higher risk of contracting non-communicable diseases. For the last three decades, overnutrition was seen as a problem of high-income countries, but it is now rising faster in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Use of information and communications technology (ICT) in LMICs is increasing and this could affect access to food, dietary patterns and quality, and nutritional outcomes. However, studies investigating the effects of ICT on dietary quality and overnutrition are largely inconclusive. We apply a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach to assess the effects of ICT use on both dietary quality and overnutrition of 32,118 adults using nationally representative data from Kenya. Results show that ICT use positively influences dietary quality, with radio having the largest effects, followed by mobile phone and TV. Dietary diversity reduces the probability of being overweight or obese, particularly among urban dwellers. Use of ICT positively influences the probability of overnutrition even after netting out its effect on dietary quality, with mobile phone having largest effects. To reduce overnutrition burden, we recommend design of policies and programs that educate and encourage adults on positive use of ICT to increase intake of quality diets and physical activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Elijah N. Muange & Marther W. Ngigi, 2021. "Dietary quality and overnutrition among adults in Kenya: what role does ICT play?," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 13(4), pages 1013-1028, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ssefpa:v:13:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s12571-021-01174-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s12571-021-01174-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yi Cui & Thomas Glauben & Wei Si & Qiran Zhao, 2023. "The effect of Internet usage on dietary quality: Evidence from rural China," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(S1), pages 1478-1494, December.

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