ABSTRACT

Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of human life and its requirement varies with respect to

age, gender and during physiological changes such as pregnancy. The aim of this study

was to assess the dietary habits, lifestyle pattern and anthropometric status of women of

reproductive age (15-49) in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Simple

random sampling was used to select two communities in which sample size was

determined using the formula for the determination of sample size to get a sample size of

324. Chi-square was used for categorical variables, while, Pearson correlation was used

to determine relationship between nominal variables. All statistical analysis was

performed using statistical product for service solutions (SPSS) version 20. A cross-

sectional survey was conducted using both qualitative and qualitative data-collection

methods. The study involved interviews using a questionnaire, assessment of activity

patterns, anthropometry, food frequency questionnaire, 24 hour dietary recall and diet

history. Results showed that 49.7% of these women were at the peak of their reproductive

age. There socioeconomic characteristics showed that 16.4% had no formal education,

28.9% completed up to secondary education and 53.1% are in tertiary education or have

completed. Dietary habit showed that 25.2% eat 2 times daily, 65.4% eat 3 times and

8.2% eat 4 times daily. They also skipped meals; where 21.4% skip breakfast, 15.1%

lunch and 8.8% dinner. Lifestyle pattern showed that 45% participated in exercises while

55% did not. 17.3% participated in exercise daily, 9.7% participated 1-3 times weekly,

16.7% did whenever possible, 54.4% did not participate in exercise and 1.9% participated

4-5 times weekly. Anthropometric status showed that 0.3% was underweight, 55.7%

were overweight and 6.0% was obese. According to their waist circumference and waist-

hip ratio readings, 78.0% and 88.8% were normal while 22.0% and 19.2% were at risk of

cardiovascular disease. Time and habit acquired from home were major determinants of

their food choice and these women should be encouraged to incorporate both plant and

animal protein in their diet and also educated on the importance of physical exercise and

healthy lifestyle.