Dietary Behavioural Patterns of Urban Women Dwellers and Health Risk of Obesity (A Case Study of Freetown Municipality)

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the dietary behavioural patterns of urban women dwellers and health risk of obesity. Data collected from 300 respondents through well-structured and pre-tested questionnaire.Statistical package for social science (SPSS) software and simple descriptive statistics involving mean, mode, percentages and Chi square used and results presented in tables and charts. Result of the analysis showed that thirty percent (30%) of the respondents were victims of obesity and were between the age brackets 15-47 years (Figure 6). A Chi Square hypothesis used and confirmed that overweight and obesity is associated with socio demographic characteristics, regular food meal consumption frequency and low physical activity levels are the three main modifiable factors for being overweight and obese. (Table 3). Majority (70%) of the respondents occupied themselves in sedentary activities and only 30% engaged in physical activities. \[Jogging, aerobics, cardiovascular, and cycling\] (Figure3). The prevalence of overweight and obesity within this population was relatively high (65%) thus the respondents experienced breathlessness, and 35% experienced sleep apnea(Figure5). Other symptoms include knee pain (43%), back pain (37%) and heel pain (20%). (Figure 4). Conclusively there are increased comorbidities associated with a higher BMI, reduced productivity, premature mortality, increased medical cost and effect on the economy.