ABSTRACT

The study was carried out to assess the food security and anthropometric status of young adults in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State. A cross-sectional survey was adopted to study a population of young adults’ aged 20–35years using a calculated sample size of 400 randomly identified and selected across the study area. Information regarding basic characteristics, socio-economic and anthropometric status of young adults was obtained using a well-structure administered questionnaire while anthropometric measurements were carried out to determine body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine association and relationship between variables using Chi-square test and Regression correlation analysis respectively at (p≤0.05) significant level. The results for socio-economic variables showed that there were more male participants (53%) than females (47%). More than half (55.2%) of the respondents recorded 4-6 household members, some (49.0%) attained secondary school education level, trading and artisan work were the most predominant occupation (52.0%) while only 19.2% earned above ₦60,000 as monthly income. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), the prevalence of food insecurity was 65.5%. Body mass index indicated that 23% were overweight while underweight was 10.5% and obesity 19% with 47.5% having normal body weight. The female young adults were more at risk of abdominal obesity with 38% prevalence as against male young adult (31.2%). Chi-square test established significant association (p<0.05) between body mass index (BMI) and basic socio-economic variables such as sex, marital status, level of education and occupation while waist-hip ratio (WHR) was significantly associated with basic socio-economic variables such as sex and income level. Regression correlation model indicated no significant relationship (p>0.05) between food security status and anthropometric variables of young adults. Food security status correlated positively and more strongly with WHR than BMI. It was therefore concluded that there was high prevalence of food insecurity and abnormal body weights among young adults which are influenced by socio-economic variables.