Food habits, food consumption pattern and anthropometric measurements of the physically challenged individuals in Owerri Metropolis

Abstract

This study investigated the Food habits,dietary pattern and anthropometric indices of physically challenged individuals in Owerri metropolis. A cross section design was adopted for the study. A population of 391 disabled subjects (300 with exclusively physical inactivity and 91 with intellectual disability) mean age 28.5+/-5 years were enrolled from Alvan Ikoku University of Education Owerri , and Special School for the Deaf Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri and Special School for the deaf Orji Flyover all located in Owerri Municipal respectively. Using Yamane Taro formula, a sample size of 198 subjects (48pupils & teachers) and (150 individuals) were obtained. Data were collected using structured questionnaire eliciting data for Food consumption pattern, frequency of food consumption, 24-dietary recall and anthropometric indices. The data were analyzed using SPSS and presented in tables and frequencies. The results revealed that 34.8% were overweight while 29.8% were obesed. The mean height, weight, waist circumference and hip circumference for all were 1.74±0.90, 51.76±15.15, 30.24±5.74 and 34.46±5.6.6, and 0.9±0.4 respectively. It was observed that physically challenged individuals in the study have good average z-score which is indicative of a healthy population, (62.1%) subjects eat up to thrice daily, 64.1% of the subjects skipped meals especially breakfast and lunch due to lack of time and finance .Majority (99.5%) of the subjects engaged in snacking. A greater proportion of the respondents (60.1% for Alvan Ikoku) and (123.2% Special School for the deaf) were involved in smoking and alcoholic consumption respectively which exposed them to weaknesses in their cognitive abilities. Study has shown normal nutritional status of most of the physically challenged individuals, with high prevalence of overweight and obesity among them when compared to previous studies. There is need to enhance nutrition education among physically challenged individuals; the government should provide nutrition extension workers to enlighten them on the importance of good dietary practices and its effect on their health and nutritional status.