ABSTRACT

The study was undertaken to determine nutrition knowledge and lifestyle among adult traders in Ogbete market in Enugu north local government area (LGA), Enugu state. Data for this report was obtained from a cross-sectional survey of 217 traders. Purposive sampling method was used. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle factors, nutrition knowledge and dietary pattern. Data obtained from the study were subjected to statistical analysis, using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The results of the different variables collected revealed that some (27.2%) traders were within the ages of 20-25 years. Highest educational qualification attained by most (55.8%) was secondary school and 19.8% earned less than N 10,000 monthly. About 47.5% had good nutrition knowledge of major sources of protein, vitamins/minerals, energy and diets that provide adequate amount of nutrient. About 83.9% consumed alcoholic beverage such as beer (33.5%), 44.7% preferred coca cola products. Similarly, 44.7% were currently smoking one to two cigarettes (68%) and more than two packets (32), for 3 years and above (60.8%). All the traders engaged themselves in one form of exercise or the other such as brisk walk (39.2%), 1-2 times a week (39.6). Food habit profile of the respondent shows that breakfast was the only skipped meal (22.1%). About 36.4% took soft drinks in the market and 31.3% took vegetables. Pearson correlation shows that marital status negatively determine their alcoholic beverage intake (x2=-0.202;p=0.006), cigarette intake (x2=-0.254;p=0.012) and nutrition knowledge (x2=-0.142;p=0.036). Also, educational background significantly affected their alcoholic intake (x2=-0.146; p=0.048) smoking habit (x2=-0.269; p=0.008) and nutrition knowledge (x2=-0.306; p=0.000). Monthly income significantly affect their carbonated drink intake (x2=-0.321;p=0.000)and nutrition knowledge (x2=-0.207;p=0.002). The study underscores the need for educational campaigns regarding healthier lifestyles and dietary habit among the traders.