ABSTRACT

Ultra-processed foods, as defined by the NOVA food classification system, are not modified or merely processed foods. They are industrial formulations manufactured from substances derived from foods, which typically contain cosmetic and various other types of additive and little if any intact food. This study examines the consumption of processed and ultra-processed food products and dietary pattern of children (6-12 years) in Obowo L.G.A, Imo State. The study was a cross-sectional study and a multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 317 respondents. Data on sociodemographic/economic characteristics, consumption of ultra-processed foods, dietary pattern and anthropometric status of the respondents were collected using structured and validated questionnaire. The IBM SPSS version 23.0 computer programme was used to analyze the data. Significant relationship was judged at p 0.05. Data obtained were described using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Result from the study showed that more than half (50.8%) of the respondents were female. Majority (70.3%) of the respondents were between 10-11 years and majority (90.2%) of them are Christians. Most (70.7%) of the respondent's fathers completed only secondary education while 60.9% of their mothers completed only secondary education. Majority (70.7%) of their fathers are traders who earn between N 50,000- N 69,000 (78.5%) in a month while most (90.2%) of their mother are traders who earn between N 50,000- N 69,000 (59.0%) in a month. Majority (70.7%) of the children feed three times in a day while mostly skip lunch (100.0%). Majority (70.7%) of the respondents consume ultra-processed foods/drinks and most (59.0%) of them consume it because it is always available. Most (88.3%) of the school children consume snacks. The anthropometric status of the respondents shows that majority (70.3%) of the children were overweight while few (9.8%) had a normal Body Mass Index. Regulation of the supply of ultra-processed food products in schools and advertising for such foods and policies to improve the built (and perceived) environment for physical activity, and health promotion measures engaging parents and teachers, targeting to children's awareness-raising on healthy eating, sedentary behaviors, and the health-disease process.