ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to assess dietary diversity and anthropometric status of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in Ikwuano local government area. The study was a descriptive cross- sectional design with a four-stage sampling technique involving 208 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) selected at random in Ikwuano local government area Abia State. A semi structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic, economic and 24-hour diet recall using minimum dietary diversity for individuals. Dietary diversity (DD) was determined using 10-food group dietary diversity model were created to categorize individual’s dietary diversity. Anthropometric data was collected using standard procedures. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and correlation. Statistical significance was determined at 5% level (p <0.05). Results revealed all (100.0%) the WRA consumed food made from grains, white roots and tubers or plantain the previous day (preceding the study), thus majority (94.2%) of the WRA had minimal adherence to dietary guidelines, while 5.8% of them had less than minimal dietary diversity the previous day. However, the mean minimum dietary diversity of the women of reproductive age was 7.31 ± 1.61.  The result on body mass index status showed that 29.8%, 14.4%, and 7.2%, of the WRA were underweight, overweight and obese, respectively, while 48.6% of them had normal weight. The result also showed their mean height in meters (1.61 ± 0.06), mean weight in kilogram (56.41 ± 13.70) and mean body mass index (BMI) in kilogram per meter square (kg/m²) (22.03 ± 5.54). With notable levels of malnutrition observed in the communities, it is important that stakeholders work collaboratively in coming up with integrated approaches in health in order to improve the wellbeing of its communities. The study concluded that women of reproductive age in Ikwuano Local Government Area, had a relatively diverse diet overall, there were specific food groups that were rarely consumed. This may have an impact on the nutritional status and health of this population. The study recommends further research to explore the specific dietary gaps and develop interventions that target these specific food groups and also conducting Information, education and communication activities that emphasize on the use of locally available, affordable and nutritious food.