ABSTRACT

Analysis of dietary patterns gives a more comprehensive impression of the food consumption pattern within a population. Poor dietary pattern has been reported as a lifestyle challenge. Some dietary patterns appear quite common; snacking, usually on energy dense foods, meal skipping, particularly breakfast or irregular meals, wide use of fast food and low consumption of fruits and vegetables are all capable of affecting one’s health. This study was carried out to assess the dietary pattern and anthropometric status of patients in F.M.C Umuahia. The objectives of this study are to: determine the socio demographic/economic characteristics, assess dietary pattern, assess the anthropometric status, and determine the relationship between dietary pattern and anthropometric status of patients. This study applied a cross-sectional study design and 196 patients selected by multistage sampling method participated in the study. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package (version 26.0) and level of significance was set at (p < 0.05). Higher proportion of the respondents were females (52.0%). Over half of the respondents (51.0%) skipped meals and (45.9%) ate thrice in a day. The association between anthropometric status of respondents and meal skipping was statistically significant with p-value (0.000). Almost half (44.9%) of the respondents had frying as their preferred cooking method. The association between anthropometric status of respondents and preferred cooking method was statistically significant with p-value (0.000). More than half (56.6%) of the respondent ate both outside home and at home. The association between anthropometric status of respondents and usual source of food was statistically significant with p-value (0.001) Majority of the respondents (99.4%) ate snacks and the association between anthropometric status and snacking status of respondents was statistically significant p-value (0.002). More than a quarter (34.7%) of the respondents were overweight, about (31.1%) had normal BMI, (24.0%) were underweight, and (10.2%) were obese. In conclusion, skipping of meals and snacking on energy dense foods are common among the study population. Regular nutrition education program by the institution with emphasis on adequate dietary practices is recommended.