ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at assessing the dietary diversity and anthropometric status of women of reproductive age (15-49) in Olokoro Autonomous Community, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State. It determined the dietary habits, anthropometric status, and socio-demographic factors of women of reproductive age in this community. A survey research design was used for the study and women between the ages of 15- 49 years was selected as the target population and Cochran’s formula was used to determine 416 as the sample population. A multi- stage sampling techniques was used to get a fair representation of the population from the study area. A semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and the socio- economic status of the respondents, their dietary intake. The nutritional status of the respondents was assessed with the use of anthropometric indices, weight (kg) and height (m) to estimate the Body Mass Index (BMI). Information gathered from the questionnaire was coded and entered into the computer with the programme, Statistical Package for Service Solution (IBM-SPSS), version 23.0. The objectives was analysed using descriptive and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The demographic result showed that majority are single (77.4%), (71.2%) belong to families with 5-8 members and (37.0%) were unemployed at the time of the study. The study revealed a significant proportion of women not meeting the Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) criteria (66.8%), (78.8%) of the WRA had no milk, (63.0%) did not consume dark green leafy vegetable, (99.5%) of the WRA consumed food made from grains; indicating insufficient dietary diversity and potential nutrient deficiencies. The anthropometric status of the WRA showed that (34.6%) and (19.2%) were overweight and obese while (46.2%) of them had normal weight with a mean and standard deviation for hip circumference (76.14 ± 13.04) and waist-hip ratio (93.48 ± 11.31). The result also showed a strong positive relationship (P < 0.05) between BMI and age of the women of reproductive age, with a correlation of (0.595). The study concludes that effective strategies may include community-based nutrition education programs, initiatives to improve access to diverse and nutritious foods, and the promotion of regular physical activity. The study underscores the need for tailored interventions promoting dietary diversity, healthy eating habits, and nutritional education, considering the complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, dietary habits, and age-related changes in body composition.