LIFESTYLE AND ANTHROPOMETRIC STATUS OF TRADERS IN UBANI ULTRA-MODERN MARKET IN UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE
*Nzeagwu, O.C and Okiyi, C.E.
Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, PMB 7267 Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have overtaken communicable diseases as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
Objective: The study assessed lifestyle and anthropometric status of traders in Ubani ultra-modern market in Umuahia Abia state, Nigeria.
Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study of 200 traders randomly selected by ballot in Ubani-Ultra modern market used validated/pretested questionnaire to assess the socio-economic, lifestyle and food consumption of the respondents. Height and weight were measured with a stadiometer and digital bathroom scale respectively, while waist circumference (WC) and hip circumferences were measured with non-stretchable tape using standard methods. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-Hip ratio (WHR) were calculated and compared with their standards. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 21. Pearson’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between lifestyle and anthropometric status and significance was judged at p < 0.05.
Results: Most (61%) of the respondents were females while 39% were males. Majority (88.5%) were (18-47) years while 11.5% were above 48years; 57.5% were married and 38.5% were single. Majority (91.5%) had secondary/tertiary education and earned ₦10,000 – ₦29,000 monthly from sales. Some (27.5%) of the respondents were obese, 29% were overweight 45% had normal BMI. Low risk with WC and WHR were found in 61% and 81% while high risk was 26.5% and 19% respectively. There was negative relationship (r = -0.137, p=0.027) between WHR and number of fats/oil consumed and a positive weak relationship (r = 0.183, p=0.005) between WC and number of leguminous foods consumed. Those who consumed vegetables, dairy products and fats and oil had significantly (p<0.05) lower waist circumference.
Conclusion: Most of the respondents were either overweight or obese; majority had low risk with WC and WHR. Food diversification is recommended to reduce risk of non-communicable diseases.
