Food Consumption Score, Dietary Habits and Anthropometric Indices of Market Traders in Owo Township, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Globally, the burden of obesity and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing, and the African continent is not left out.
Objective: This study assessed the food consumption score, dietary habits and anthropometric indices of market traders in Owo Township, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved 205traders who were conveniently selected from three major markets in Owo. Information from the participants was obtained using structured, self- administered questionnaire. Food consumption score was assessed using World Food Programme (WFP) food consumption analysis while central obesity was assessed using Waist–Hip Ratio (WHR), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Height ratio (WHtR). Data was presented in frequency and percentage. All statistics was test at significant level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: Results revealed that (30.2%) of the market traders were within the age group of 30- 39years,57.6% of the respondents were married, while approximately27% had between 4 and 6 children. About 67.3% of the respondents were Christian. Few (6.3%) had first degree certificate. Majorities, (90.7%) always add vegetables to their diet and 39.5% % eat fruit regularly while 56.1% meet the acceptable food consumption score. Abnormal values for WC, WHR, and WHtR were 26.8%, 38.5%, and 47.8% respectively.A significant difference existed waist circumference (P=0.02), waist-hip ratio (P=0.003), waist to height ratio (P=0.001), and sex of the respondents.
Conclusion: This study observed high prevalence of central obesity and a high acceptable food consumption score level among the market traders in Owo.

Keywords: Food consumption score, traders, dietary habits, central obesity