Nutrient adequacy among illegal drug users in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Background Dietary diversity (DD) is a proxy for determining quality and nutrient adequacy of diet. Illegal drug user populations are believed to have poor dietary patterns which may compromise their nutritional health. The study assessed the diversity of the diets of illegal drug users in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Design A snowball sampling technique was used to select the sample whilst dietary data was collected using the 24‐hour recall method and background data through a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software (Version 16, Chicago Illinois). Foods consumed were grouped into 9 groups, and mean counts of groups were scored. Consumption of foods from less than 3 of the 9 food groups was considered as low DD whilst middle DD was classified as consuming foods from 4 to 5 different food groups. High DD was classified as consuming foods from more than 5 food groups. Ethical approval was provided by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Cape Coast Results Those aged less than 20 years had higher DD scores compared with those aged 20 years and above (P= 0.03). The mean sample DD score was 4.1. Both males and females had high scores for starchy staples and the least scores for milk and milk products. Marijuana users had higher mean DD scores compared with cocaine users (P= 0.03) Conclusion The sample studied had middle level nutrient adequacy. Younger drug users had better nutrient adequacy.