Impact Of Habitual Alcohol Consumption On Blood Pressure And Food Intake Of Adults Patronizing Clubs In Umuahia - Abia State.

ABSTRACT

The impact of habitual alcohol consumption on blood pressure and food intake of adults patronizing clubs in Umuahia, Abia State was assessed. A total of 150 male adults were involved in the study. A structured and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The age of the respondents ranged from 20-60 years. The subjects were mainly (36.7%) civil servants, most (74%) of whom were bachelors. Their food habits revealed very low intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Many (68.7%) skipped meals. The drinking pattern revealed that majority (77.3%) of the subjects drank heavily. The subjects blood pressure showed a significant relationship with quantity of alcohol consumed (P<0.05).There was also a significant difference between blood pressure and waist circumference (P><0.05). There was no signicant difference between blood pressure and waist — hip ratio, also with B.M.T (P>0.005).