ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess dietary diversity score and weight status of adults in rural communities of Ikwuano L.G.A, Abia state. A cross sectional survey was used to assess dietary diversity score and weight status of 438 adults in rural area. Twenty four (24) hour recall was used to assess dietary diversity. A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on socio demographic characteristics of the participants while anthropometry was assessed using standard procedure. Weight status was determined based on BMI classifications. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means (SD) and chi-square. Result obtained from this study revealed that 52% of the participants were males and 47.1 % were females. Majority (56.5%) of the participants had normal weight, while 23.0% and 16.5% were at the risk of overweight and obesity, respectively. The prevalence of low, medium and high dietary diversity score were 0.7%, 7.2% and 91.9% respectively. There was no significant relationship between dietary diversity score and weight status (X? = 0.71; P= 0.15). In conclusion, the study showed that weight status was not associated with dietary diversity score. Also the study identified that dietary diversity score was high among the participants in rural communities in Ikwuano. Nutrition education and nutrition policy implementation should be improved in all areas.