ABSTRACT

The study assessed the dietary pattern and physical activity among the elderly in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey and multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 224 respondents for the study. A well-structured and validated questionnaire was used to source information on the Socio-demographic, food habit/dietary pattern, 24 hours dietary recall and physical activity pattern. Anthropometric status was assessed using standard procedures. Results of the socio-demographic, food habits/dietary pattern, 24 hour dietary recall and physical activity level of the respondents were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages).  The anthropometric status of the elderly were scaled using the WHO recommended standards. The mini-nutritional screening tool was used and respondents were grouped under malnutrition, at risk of malnutrition and normal categories. Furthermore, the association between dietary pattern and BMI was determined using chi-square at 5% level of significance. The results showed that majority (64.3%) of the elderly in the study area were within the ages of 65-74years and stopped at primary level of formal education (45.5%). The result on the food habits/dietary pattern of the respondents showed that more than half (64.7%) ate three times a day, most (65.2%) avoided alcohol consumption and 95.1% are non smokers, indicating a healthy food habit/dietary pattern. Majority of respondents ate foods made from grains, white roots, tuber and plantains(Whole grains) (68.8%); organ meat, meat and poultry, fish and seafood(Proteins) (84.8%); dark green leafy vegetables (59.4%); other vegetables(Fruits and vegetables) (71.9%); and consumed less of pulses (beans, peas and lentils) (49.1%), nuts and seeds (41.1%), milk and milk products (8.9), eggs as well as other fruits (38.8%). From the findings the result indicated lack of consciousness on the physical activities carried out by the elderly in the study area. However, the result showed that the prevalent physical activity engaged by the elderly in the study area was walking. The result from the anthropometric measurement of the elderly showed a normal BMI status (63.99%), and moderate WHR (42.5%). Furthermore, 54.92% of the respondents from the mini-nutritional score were at the risk of malnutrition and 28.56% were malnourished while 16.52% had normal nutritional status. The result showed that there is a significant positive association between BMI and Dietary pattern at 5% level of significance with p-value = 0.002. In conclusion, most of the elderly in the study area had good feeding habits/dietary patterns, walked often and had normal anthropometric status. It is recommended that physical activity awareness should be created to promote consciousness on the need for routine exercise among the elderly.