ABSTRACT

This study determined the lifestyle and anthropometric indices of pritnar^ school teachers in Abakaliki L.G.A., Ebonyi State. The study sought to assess the personal and socio-economic profile of the primary school teachers, their food habits, anthropometric indices and ascertained their current lifestyle patterns. A multi-stage sampling technique was used. The sample of teachers was drawn regardless of their sex and age to allow easy analysis. Socio-economic data was collected using questionnaire. Anthropometric data was obtained using stadiometer and weighing scale to get their heights and weights, respectively. Data from weight and height, waist circumference and hip circumference of the respondents were used to derive the BMI and Waist-Hip ratio. The BMI was graded according to WHO reference. Lifestyle patterns were analyzed using 5- Point Likert scale. Analytical tools adopted for the study included frequency, percentage distributions and Pearson coefficient. Result from the study showed that 30% and 26% were within the age range of 33-38 and 39-44 years, respectively. Greater percentage (81.2%) stopped at tertiary institution. However, 23% earned N34,000 - N41,000 while 10% earned less than N18,000. Majority of the respondents (76.9%) ate food three times a day with only 25.1% skipping meal. The result ofthe study also revealed high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle. Majority (93%) consumed soft drinks while 96.8% snacked in between meals. It was also found that 72.5% do not exercise. There was also recorded moderate level of overweight amongst the males (23%) and females (39.4%).The result also revealed that 69.6% ofthe respondents that were overweight and 94.6% that were obese consumed alcohol. Low level of cigarette smoking (6.7%) was seen on the contrary. In conclusion, there was high prevalence of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle together with high prevalence of overweight. Nutrition education and other interventions are suggested to promote healthy lifestyle.