ABSTRACT

The study examined assessment of self- efficacy in obesity risk reduction behaviour and anthropometric status among adults in Ariaria international market aba, Abia State. Two hundred and sixteen (216) respondents were selected using simple random sampling and systematic sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was also used to get information’ on the socio demographic characteristics of the respondents, dietary pattern, obesity risk reduction, self-efficacy of the respondents and anthropometric status of the respondents, determine the association between obesity risk reduction behavior and anthropometric status of the respondents, The results showed that (46.6%) of the respondents were female while more than half (53.2%) were male. More than half (73.6%) of the respondents were aged greater than 45years while few were aged 19 to 24 years. (63.4%) of the respondents were married while few (11.1%) were divorced or separated. Majority (93.5%) ofthe respondents were Christians while few (2.31%) were traditionalist. Large proportion (70.8%) of the respondents were from a monogamous family while (28.7%) were from a polygamous family. (40.7%) ofthe respondents obtained tertiary education while few (6.5%) had primary education. Less than half (26.9%) of the respondents had monthly income below 30,000 while few (11.1%) above 151,000. (43.5%) ate thrice in a day while (0.5%) ate once a day. that more than half (71.3%) of the respondents were not on therapeutic diet while few (28.7%) were on therapeutic diet. Slightly above half (64.4%) of the respondents ate in between meals while below half (35.6%) of the respondents don’t eat in between meals. (61.6%) ofthe respondents do not skip meals while (38.4%) skip meals.(60.6%) ate steamed food instead of fried foods. (44%) of the respondents always makes healthy choices at fast food restaurants. The study showed that (94%) of the respondents have good behavior, (3.7%) average behavior while few (2.3%) poor behavior on obesity risk reduction. Based on self-efficacy of the respondents, the results showed that more than half (50%) of the respondents are always confident to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, (41.2%) occasionally while (3.7%) never have the confidence. The study revealed that (50.5%) ofthe respondents are always confident of consuming small portion size food,- (33.8%) occasionally while (3.2%) are not confident. The study revealed that (29.6%) of male and (26.7%) female had normal weight, (34.8%) of male and (21.8%) female were overweight, (35.7%) male and (51.5%) female were obese. Based on the waist circumference, more than half (76.5%) of male and (28.7%) offemale were not at risk while (23.5%) male and (71.3%) female were at increased risk. The waist hip ratio status showed that (53%) male and (4%) female were at high risk, (22.6%) male and (25.7%) female were at moderate risk while (24.3%) male and (70.3%) female were at low risk. The study showed a negative relationship exist between BMI status and do you monitor your body weight. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made; Proper awareness should be conducted to educate the market men and women on the importance of maintain a good dietary habit. Sedimentary lifestyle is a major cause of obesity. Market men and women should engage in regular physical activity such as (walking, dancing etc) to enable them to maintain good health.