ABSTRACT

 Mothers are the foremost providers of primary care for children that their understanding of basic nutrition and health measures strongly influence the care they provide for themselves and their children. This cross sectional study aimed to assess the feeding habit, lifestyle and nutritional status of teenage mothers aged (13-19 Years) in Ukwa East, L.G.A of Abia State. A total of 301 mothers were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on their socio-economic characteristics, dietary habit and lifestyle pattern ofmothers in the area. Anthropometric status was determined using weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference, which was used to determine their BMI and WHR. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and chi square statistics with SPSS software version 20.0. Result revealed that 59.9% were within the age of 13-15 years, 48.2% were 13-15 years old at their first pregnancy while 51.8% were 16-19 years. Most (65.8%) were Igbo while 20.6% were Hausa. Only 47.5% were married and 75.5% had 1-2 children, 36.2% were from polygamous family meaning that they may be the second or third wives. Most (55.8%) stopped at primary school. About 70.8%) earned below the minimum wage (N5,000- N7,000) a month. Many (46.5%) were farmers, 20.9% were traders, 10% were hair dressers. All the women participated in exercised such as Jogging, trekking, running (53.2%) ofthem. Majority (76.4%) consumed soft drinks. It was also found that 72.1% skipped meals and 38.7% skipped breakfast, 43.3% skipped lunch and 18.0% skipped dinner. Majority (68.8%) were underweight, 31.2% were normal. However, none ofthe respondents was either over weight or obese. 9.4% were at risk of cardiovascular diseases while 90.6% were normal according to their WHR. Also, among the variables assessed, only quantity of alcoholic intake ofthe respondents had relationship with their nutritional status. The result significantly revealed that these teenagers were too tender to become pregnant and this was reflected in their dietary habit and nutritional status. Therefore, they should be encouraged to go back to school and for those who could not, they should be encouraged to acquire skills that would enable them to take care ofthemselves and their babies. Seminars should also be organized to sensitize these teenagers on the effect of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy.