A cross-sectional study on minimum dietary diversity and anthropometric status of women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia State Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: To prevent nutrient deficiencies and chronic diseases, women of reproductive age (WRA) (15–49 years), need to eat a diversified and adequate diet for the provision of micronutrients and phytochemicals. The purpose of the study was to conduct a seven-day assessment of the minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and anthropometric status of WRA in Ikwuano Local Government Area.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used among 208 consenting WRA from 8 communities in 2 clans of the LGA. A semi-structured 7-day recall questionnaire that measured MDD for women (MDD-W) was used. A score of 5 (out of 10) food groups was considered to be an adequate MDD. The WRA’s body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were evaluated, and BMI was calculated and compared with standards. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), the paired sample t-test, and Spearman Correlation, while the level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Result: About 51.0% of sample women achieved MDD, 29.8% were underweight, 14.4% were overweight and 7.2% were obese. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean value between day 1 (4.45) and day 7 (4.75) in the MDD of these women. BMI was higher among those who were unemployed, and MDD scores were significantly higher when the WHR was higher.

Conclusions: Most of the respondents achieved MDD, which also contributed to higher WHR. Unemployment was strongly linked to higher BMI status among these respondents.