Edible Insect Phobia and Associated Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

Objective: To identify factors associated with edible insect phobia among women of reproductive age in the Central Region of Ghana.

Design: A cross-sectional study design was employed.

Setting: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in the Central Region of Ghana, between March and June 2024.

Participants: A total of 340 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) were recruited from outpatient clinics to participate in the study.

Results: Edible insect phobia was significantly associated with level of education (p = 0.016), ethnic group (p < 0.001), pregnancy status (χ²(2) = 6.46, p = 0.040, Cramer’s V = 0.151, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.064–0.252), awareness of insects as food (χ²(2) = 17.45, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.234, 95% CI = 0.138–0.330), and prior insect consumption (χ²(2) = 16.54, p < 0.001, Cramer’s V = 0.228, 95% CI = 0.123–0.334). Edible insect phobia was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.223, 95% CI = -0.325 to -0.116, p < 0.001) and number of pregnancies (r = -0.163, 95% CI = -0.270 to -0.053, p = 0.003), but not with food neophobia score (r = 0.097, 95% CI = -0.020 to 0.209, p = 0.074).

Conclusions: A higher phobia of edible insects among women of reproductive age was associated with younger age, fewer pregnancies, lower educational level, certain ethnicities, pregnancy status, unawareness, and no previous history of consuming edible insects. Interventions targeting these factors may help reduce edible insect phobia and increase acceptance of edible insects as dietary proteins among similar populations.