Food Habits, Other Lifestyle And Anthropometric Status Of Adults In Eziniiiitte-Mbaise Local Government Area Of Imo State:- Okorie, Onyinyechi J.

ABSTRACT

 A cross-sectional study was conducted among 399 adults in Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Imo State aged 19 years and above and was selected using multistage sampling techniques. The study protocol incorporated antliropometric measurements, evaluation of food habits, lifestyle and socio-economic characteristics. Mean body mass index (BMI) for men and women were 22.88+2.94 and 24.05+4.54 respectively, which on average showed that the participants had normal weights. Socio-economic characteristics evaluation indicated that 87.2% were literate, 24.3% were self-employed, 52.4% were married and 25.1% receive salary less than 18000. Food habit evaluation indicated that garri/ fufu with any type of soup, fruits, rice and vegetables were the foods consumed almost everyday by majority of the participants. Meat, beverages and tubers were eaten once to tliree times a week. With a high prevalence of healthy eating habits recorded among the participants; 65.4% eat different diets everyday, 44.4% takes breakfast, lunch and dinner, 37.3% do not skip meals, 24.8% consumes vegetables after each meal in a day and 41.4% takes fruits, vegetables and fruitjuice as snacks. Under lifestyle evaluation: 62.4% live a moderate lifestyle, 88.2% practiced physical exercise and 39.3% practiced exercise everyday, 6.1% currently smoke cigarettes and 54.1% consume alcohol. The food habits and lilestyle ofthese adults were satisfactory. Adults should adopt a more active lifestyle and be more cautious oftheir food habits. This is to ensure a healthy well-being throughout their lifespan.