Health concern affects egg consumption among older adults in Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana

BackgroundEggs are nutrient dense and rich source of quality protein and their consumption could significantly reduce incidence of chronic and infectious diseases especially in the elderly. This study determined egg consumption and factors that influence consumption among the elderly in Tamale metropolis. MethodsAnalytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 older adults 60 years and above. Data on egg consumption, nutritional knowledge and awareness of health implications of egg intake were collected using structured questionnaire. Relationships between egg consumption, nutritional knowledge and awareness of health effects of egg consumption were determined in bivariate and multivariate analysis. ResultsRespondents without awareness that egg intake increases risk of diseases were 10 times more likely to eat eggs compared to those who had awareness [Adjusted Odds Ratio 10.24; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.20 - 25.00; p= 0.001]. Respondents with awareness that egg consumption was bad for health were less likely to consume eggs compared to those who thought egg intake was good for health [AOR 0.02; 95 % CI, 0.01 - 0.05, p < 0.001]. ConclusionEgg consumption was low among the study population and was affected by health concerns: awareness that egg consumption was not good for health and exposes them to the risk of certain diseases