J. Nkunzimana et al., IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRADITIONAL DIETS FROM BURUNDIBY MULTIVARIATE-ANALYSIS, Ecology of food and nutrition, 36(5), 1997, pp. 385-399
Multivariate analyses were applied to food habits in Burundi in order
to identify typical food combinations and to determine the extent to w
hich these patterns are compatible with nutritional adequacy and diver
sity. Eight criteria were used in cluster analysis: food intake (g/per
s/day), energy intake, protein, lipid, carbohydrates, calcium, iron an
d vitamin C intakes. Macronutrients expressed as a percentage of total
energy intake were also taken into account in order to differentiate
diets on a qualitative basis. Six clusters, each containing 5 to 12 me
als, were identified as the most representative of Burundian diets in
rural areas. These meal clusters were discriminated by their calcium,
energy, protein and iron contents. In comparison with nutritional guid
elines, most of them failed to meet the recommendations. The results o
btained may be beneficial to nutrition educators and policy makers in
targeting food programs and education efforts to improve diet adequacy
.