ABSTRACT

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the lifestyle pattern and anthropometric status oftraders living in Umuahia metropolis, Abia state. Utilizing a multi-stage sampling technique, socio-demographic/economic characteristics, dietary pattern, physical activity and anthropometric status were assessed through questionnaires and physical measurements. Analyzing the data with IBM SPSS version 23.0, the socio demographic characteristics of the marketers results revealed that more than half (53.6%) of the respondents were female while 46.4% were male. Greater percentage of the traders were between 18 and 50 years; 20% were below 18 years. Christianity was the dominant religion as majority (77.4%) of the respondents were Christians. The dietary habits of the traders result showed that half (50.2%) of the participants ate thrice a day about 40.9% twice, while few (7.7%) ofthe participants eat once in a day. Also many consumed cabbage and carrot once a week while (0.9%) never consume cabbage. There was no prevalence of underweight recorded among the male respondents, while a few (0.4%) of the female participants were underweight. Some of the respondents (35.7%) were overweight, (34.0%) were normal. Based on BMI classification, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was (34.0% and 29.9% respectively). About (42.6%) of the traders engaged in vigorous activities between 1-2 days. About 31.5% ofthe traders engaged in vigorous activities between 3-4 days,-while 26.0% participate in vigorous activities 5-7 days in a week. Some (48.1%) ofthe traders spent 15-30 minutes, 20.9% spent at least 10 minutes participating in vigorous activities. Only few (13.6% and 17.4%) noted they spent more than 1 hour and 45-60 minutes participating in vigorous activities, respectively. Using WHR classification, about 27.6% of the respondents were at risk of obesity, majority (60.9%) indicated moderate risk, while just (11.5%) of them had a normal/low waist-hip ratio status. In relationship between lifestyle pattern and anthropometric status of the traders the result showed that there was a negative weak correlation between time engaged in physical activities and waist-hip-ratio ofthe traders with the value of r -0.169; p-value = 0.009** which implies that the lower the time engaged in physical activities the lower the waist-hip-ratio. The nutritionist should organize a nutrition education and awareness campaign in major markets to enhance the knowledge ofthe market women on importance of adequate food consumption and to minimize the rate of purchased food for their lunch meal and the rate at which they consume fried and fatty snacks in order-to maintain a healthy living.