ABSTRACT

 This study assessed the physical activity levels and dietary intake of adults in UmuahiaNorth LGA of Abia state. This cross sectional study used simple random sampling technique to select 439 adults (198 = males ; 241 = females) from Afara and Amuzukwu in Umuahia North LGA. The anthropometric measurements of the respondents were taken using standard equipment and procedures. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess the physical activity levels of the respondents. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-hour recall were used to assess the food intake of the respondents which was used to calculate the nutrient intake. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 20) was used to analyze the data. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean (SD) and correlation. Majority (71.8%) of the respondents had a low physical activity level (male= 70.7%; female = 72.6%), while 28.2% of the respondents were physically active (male = 29.3% ; female = 27.4). The result also revealed that 50.2%, 76.9%, 92.9%, 70.2% , 93.1 % and 92% of the respondents had their estimated intake above the RNI (excess intake) for energy, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C, iron, zinc, respectively. Others 51. 9%, 67 .6%, 49 .8%, 79 .0% and 79.5% of the respondents had their estimated intake below the RNI (inadequate intake) for fats, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, respectively. There was a significant (p>0.05) positive but weak relationship between physical activity and energy intake (r = 0.099 ; p = 0.042). These results indicate that physical activity is an indicator of energy intake adequacy. Most of the respondents consumed foods from cereals, white roots and tubers, vegetables, legumes, oil and fats, spices and condiments than from other food groups.