Dietary Habits of the Urban Population of N’Djamena: Findings from a Descriptive Survey

Hal Souakar Ambera^1, and Brahim Boy Otchom²

¹Faculty of Human Health Sciences (FSSH), University of N’Djamena, P.O. Box 1117, N’Djamena, Chad

²Department of Biology, Faculty of Exact and Applied Sciences (FSEA), University of N’Djamena, N’Djamena, Chad

Cite this paper:
Hal Souakar Ambera and Brahim Boy Otchom. Dietary Habits of the Urban Population of N’Djamena: Findings from a Descriptive Survey. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2025; 13(7):240-245. doi: 10.12691/jfnr-13-7-2

Abstract

The nutritional transition in African urban settings is driving significant changes in dietary habits, exposing populations to a double nutritional burden: persistent micronutrient deficiencies and the rise of metabolic diseases. This study aims to describe the dietary behaviours of the adult population in N’Djamena (Chad) to identify high-risk nutritional trends. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adults attending four healthcare facilities in N’Djamena. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering the frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, saturated fats, added sugars, salt, and processed foods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v30.0, with frequency calculations and graphical representations. The results reveal a very high consumption of processed foods (849 individuals reported daily consumption), salt (594), sugars (516), and saturated fats (569). In contrast, fruit consumption was low (only 18 individuals reported daily intake), while vegetable consumption was relatively favourable (716 often, 391 daily). These findings reflect an unbalanced diet dominated by ultra-processed products. This nutritional profile aligns with trends observed in other African capitals undergoing dietary transition. Risky behaviours are influenced by market availability, cultural preferences, and advertising. The inadequate intake of fruits and excessive salt consumption represent major public health threats in urban settings, further exacerbated by weak nutritional regulation. The findings highlight the urgency of a multisectoral response combining nutrition education, improved access to healthy foods, regulation of industrial food products, and promotion of local food systems. They also advocate for promoting healthy eating through community-based, economic, and regulatory interventions, while leveraging healthcare facilities as educational platforms. Further multifactorial, biomedical, longitudinal, and interventional studies are needed to explore the determinants of dietary behaviours and assess the impact of nutrition policies in the urban Chadian context.

Keywords:
dietary behaviours nutritional transition metabolic diseases N’Djamena urban nutrition Chad sub-Saharan Africa

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