Perception of proposed preliminary food-based dietary guidelines for Lake Victoria region of Kenya: findings from a qualitative study among adult community members

Background: Diets in the Lake Victoria region of Kenya have been described as monotonous, consisting chiefly starchy staple foods, accompanied by green vegetables and oil. To promote healthy eating region, 11 food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were proposed.Objective: This study was designed to assess perception proposed FBDGs amongst consumers region.Design setting: A qualitative, descriptive cross-sectional design used collect data from 36 focus-group discussions (FGD) among adult males (18) females Kisumu Homa Bay Counties.Subjects: total 207 (26–74 years) 211 (18–71 participated this study.Data collection analysis: Proposed printed on posters presented FGD participants. Proceedings audio-taped, transcribed, translated analysed based themes.Results: The perceived promoting consumption a balanced diet. As concept, diet misrepresented composed only three nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins vitamins. There no mention fats/oils minerals other significant nutrient constituents Other concepts, which included ‘three regular meals’, ‘snacks’, ‘food variety’, ‘healthy physically active lifestyle’, polysemous.Conclusion: findings provide insight guide adaptation national FBDGs. also basis for nutrition advocacy programmes rationale revision education materials, including school curriculum, align content with current evidence-based information.