ABSTRACT

A research on the assessment of feeding pattern and anthropometric status of inmates was conducted at Ikot Ekpene correctional service center, Akwa Ibom state. A total of 220 inmates were selected for the study that included males and females using a stratified sampling technique. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, prison conditions, feeding pattern, and the relationship between feeding pattern and the anthropometric status were collected using structured and validated questionnaire while information on anthropometric status were collected using BMI measurements. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean and Pearson correlation. The result showed that there were more males (79.1%) than females (20.9%), aged 26-35 years (35.0%). Majority (62.7%) had normal body mass index and waist to hip ratio respectively. There was a relationship between the way the inmates were served and their nutritional status (p<0.05). The result shows that most of the respondents 62.7% had normal body mass index and waist to hip ratio respectively while 37.3% of the respondents have underweight. The results of the findings showed no positive correlation between who makes the food choices and the nutritional status (p>0.05), implying that the body/agency that makes food choices for the inmates did not affect their body mass index and waist/hip ratio, the rate at which food choices are made did not affect their nutritional status positively creating a significant relationship (p>0.05), the method/how the respondents were fed (adequately or inadequately) affected their nutritional status positively (p<0.05) implying the body mass index and waist/hip ratio were affected as a result of how they were being fed inadequately. The challenge that led to the study was nutritional related abnormalities among inmates which include micronutrient deficiency, delayed recovery from sickness and increased risk of mortality rate. The study will provide a basis for encouraging the correctional service center Act and Policies to act as a matter of urgency in order to promote the wellbeing of the inmates in various correctional centers of the country. In conclusion, it revealed that anthropometric status was positively associated with their feeding pattern.