ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to assess dietary diversity score and nutritional status of market women in Aba-North Local Government Area Abia State. A sample of 242 women was selected using systematic random sampling. Anthropometric characteristics were measured, while socio demographic information, market activities, dietary habits and 24-hour dietary recall were assessed using a questionnaire. Information on dietary diversity representing the number of foods groups consumed over 24 hour period was obtained using Women dietary diversity questionnaire (WDDQ) and the household dietary score (WDDS) was calculated based on nine food groups for the market women. Data were analyzed using descriptive and chi square with SPSS version 20.0. From the result, about 24% of the market women skipped breakfast. The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 39.8% and 12%, respectively. Total dietary diversity score was 4.45 ± 1.17 with their diets predominantly composed cereals, white tubers and roots (0.87±0.25) and dark green vegetables (0.66±0.41). About (50.4%) of the women had low DDS. No relationship was observed between DDS and WC (X²=2.077; p=0.354), WHR (X²=0.988; p=0.610), BMI (X²=6.880; p=0.550) and MUAC (X²=0.113; p=0.945) (p>0.05). Some of the socio-demographic variables tested such as level of education and religion of the women was significantly related with dietary diversity (p<0.05). Dietary diversification and nutrition education should be emphasized to promote good dietary habits through proper combination of the different food groups.