Dietary patterns and BMI status of adult women in greater Letaba municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that chronic diseases of lifestyle account for 28.5% of deaths of all South Africans between the ages of 35 and 64 years and that more than 56% of all South Africans between the ages of 15 and 64 have at least one modifiable risk factor for chronic disease of lifestyle. The main aim of the study was to assess the dietary patterns, dietary diversity and body mass index (BMI) of adult rural women in Greater Letaba Municipality, Limpopo province, using the South African food-based dietary guidelines (SAFBDGs). The study design was a descriptive and correlational cross-sectional survey with an analytic component. The sample consisted of 160 randomly selected women aged 19–45 years. Demographic, socioeconomic and dietary-pattern data were collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire during home visits. Dietary variety and availability was determined by direct observation and questioning and weight and height were measured to determine the BMI. Data were analysed using SPSS 18.0. Descriptive statistics and chi square tests were used to explore relationships between variables. The majority of women (51%) were either overweight or obese. Their dietary patterns only complied with three of the eleven SAFDBGs messages and dietary diversity was low.