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

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.

Automated summary

Overnutrition, previously seen as a problem in high-income countries, is now increasingly affecting low- and middle-income countries. The use of information and communications technology (ICT) has a positive influence on dietary quality and overnutrition, with radio being the most impactful in improving dietary quality and mobile phones having the largest effect on overnutrition.