Dietary Practices and Risk of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Urban Adults in Kano Metropolis

Background: Urbanisation in Nigeria has driven dietary transitions characterised by increased consumption of processed foods and reduced intake of traditional diets, contributing to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. This study examines dietary practices and their association with non-communicable disease risk among adults in Kano metropolis, North West geopolitical zone. Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study enrolled 310 adults using multistage cluster sampling. A validated food frequency questionnaire assessed dietary patterns, and anthropometric measurements and blood pressure readings provided objective health indicators. Results: High-fat, high-sugar diets were prevalent among urban respondents. Consumption of fruits and vegetables fell below WHO recommended levels. Dietary patterns characterised by processed food intake were significantly associated with elevated blood pressure and obesity. Low-income earners paradoxically showed higher intake of energy-dense low-nutrient foods. Conclusion: Poor dietary practices among urban adults in Kano are closely linked to rising non-communicable disease risk factors. Family medicine practitioners must incorporate structured dietary counselling into chronic disease prevention programmes and collaborate with public health authorities on urban food environment policies. Keywords: diet, non-communicable diseases, Kano, urbanisation, nutrition