Dietary habits of women of reproductive age (18-35 years) in a rural community of Niger- Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Dietary practices are important determinants of nutritional and health status of individuals of all age groups.

Objective: The study assessed the dietary habits of women of reproductive age (18 – 35 years) in Ujevwen, Ughelli South local government area, Delta state.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was used to assess the dietary habit of 250 women. Interviewer administered structured and validated questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recall and a 3-day weighed food intake study were used for data collection. The data was analyzed using  frequencies, means and percentages. Respondents’ nutrient intakes were compared with the WHO/FAO standards for the age group.

Results: The percentage of women who did not receive formal education was 74.8% and this resulted in 79.6% of them having low paid occupation with less than or equal to N5,000 income per month. The major foods consumed by the subjects were starchy staples (23.59%) and the least (2.76%)was fruits/vegetables. The women did not meet their daily energy, protein, calcium, thiamin, and niacin requirements. The 18 – 20years old group met below half of the recommended intake for energy, thiamin and niacin. All the respondents exceeded the requirement for vitamin A while the 21-25 years group did not meet the requirement for all the nutrients assessed.

Conclusion: The respondents consumed limited amount of protein-rich foods. The respondents had below the WHO/FAO requirement for protein, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin.

Key words: Dietary habits, women of reproductive age, Niger-Delta