Nutritional status and market activities of female traders in a major City South East, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The market place as an occupational environment can predispose individuals to obesity, mainly due to the sedentary nature and enhanced access to food. Information on the nutritional status of market women is scarce in Nigeria

Methods: The cross-sectional study was undertaken at Umuahia main market and involved 240 women. By using a questionnaire socio-demographic characteristics and market activities of respondents were  recorded. Anthropometric measurements were used to assess the Body Mass index (BMI) and waist hip circumference ratio (WHR). Food frequency questionnaire was used to obtain information on the frequency  of consumption of foods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson  correlation coefficient.

Results: One third (36.7%) of the women went to the market six times a week. Market activities of 40% of the women mainly involved sitting and selling their wares. Green leafy vegetables (41.52%), baked products (40.36%) and roots/tubers (38.33%) were the main food groups consumed at least twice a week. BMI classification showed that 25% and 31.7% were overweight and obese, respectively. There was a weak but significant correlation between BMI and snack consumption (r=0.3313; p<0.05).

Conclusion: Prevalence of obesity was high. Awareness campaigns on need for regular exercise should be emphasized in market places.

Key words: Nutritional status, market activities, dietary habits, BMI, women,