ABSTRACT

The study assessed the relationship between anthropometry and blood pressure of traders in Umuahia main market. The nutritional status, food consumption pattern and health status of the traders was also assessed. The results of this study revealed a high prevalence (46%) of hypertension defined as systolic BP 140mmHg and/or diastolic BP ? 90nrimHg among male (42.7%) and female traders (49.3%) in Umuahia main market. Furthermore, the blood pressure status of the traders by age group revealed that traders (100%) who were 71 years and above were observed to be hypertensive, while 48.2% of the traders aged 30- 39years, 50.8% aged 40-50 years, 71.4% aged 51-60 years and 57.1% aged 61-70 years were hypertensive. Poor dietary habits such as low frequency of exercise and high alcoholic intake were also identified in this study. Weight, arm circumference, hip circumference and BMI were the factors identified that affected the systolic blood pressure of the male traders significantly (P<0.05), while weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass index also affected the diastolic blood pressure of the male traders significantly. Arm circumference affected the systolic pressure in the female traders while hip circumference affected their diastolic blood pressure significantly. The body mass index of the traders revealed a higher prevalence of underweight (2.7%) among the male traders (4%) compared to the female traders (1.3%). However, overweight (28.7%) was more prevalent in the male traders (3 8.7%) than in the female traders (18.7%), while the prevalence of obesity (12.7%) was higher among female traders (17.3%) than in male traders (8%). The chi-square test showed that there was significant difference (P><0.05) in the nutritional status of the male and female traders studied. Most efforts should be concentrated on the prevention and control of hypertension and its complications and to emphasize a healthy lifestyle which should include a fair amount of exercise, healthy eating habits and the benefits of not smoking. ><0.05), while weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and body mass index also affected the diastolic blood pressure of the male traders significantly. Arm circumference affected the systolic pressure in the female traders while hip circumference affected their diastolic blood pressure significantly. The body mass index of the traders revealed a higher prevalence of underweight (2.7%) among the male traders (4%) compared to the female traders (1.3%). However, overweight (28.7%) was more prevalent in the male traders (3 8.7%) than in the female traders (18.7%), while the prevalence of obesity (12.7%) was higher among female traders (17.3%) than in male traders (8%). The chi-square test showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the nutritional status of the male and female traders studied. Most efforts should be concentrated on the prevention and control of hypertension and its complications and to emphasize a healthy lifestyle which should include a fair amount of exercise, healthy eating habits and the benefits of not smoking. >