ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional survey was used to assess the dietary intake and blood pressure of 428rural adults in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, food frequency and 24-hour dietary recall. Anthropometric measurements (heights, waist and hip circumference mid-upper arm circumference and weight) and blood pressure measurements were determined using standard procedures. Data were analysed using frequencies,

percentages, means, standard deviation and correlation. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. Results showed that 52.9% of the subjects were males,while 47.1% were females. Most had normal blood pressure (47.8%), while 26.8% had hypertension (stage 1 and 2). Cereal and grain (41.3%), dairy products (48%), legumes (47.5%), fruits (43.8%) and vegetables (40.3%) were the main food groups consumed greater than three times weekly (>3 times). There was a significant negative correlation between systolic blood pressure and vitamin C(r = -0.139, p = 0.004) as well as diastolic blood pressure and vitamin C (r = -0.100, p = 0.038), while a significant positive correlation was observed between sodium and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.112, p =0.021). The study showed that nutrient intake (Sodium and vitamin C) were associated with blood pressure levels. Therefore, educational campaigns regarding dietary approaches to solving hypertension should be encouraged