Table 2 Dietary patterns of school age children determined using principal component analysis

Component 1

Sugar-sweetened beverages,

Energy dense pattern

Fried foods

Processed meats

Spreads and toppings

Fruits and fruits juices

Cocoa beverages and dairy products

High calorie snacks

Component 2

Meats (all non-poultry, non-sea food)

Starchy roots and vegetables/ typically Ghanaian

starchy roots and tubers

Vegetables*

Legumes

Soups

Component 3

Cereals/grains

Cereal-grain and poultry/ modern Ghanaian

Poultry and eggs

Vegetables*

Soups

Component 4

Fish and sea foods

Fish and sea food