CHANGING FOOD HABIT AND PERCEIVED HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ADULTS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Studies have revealed culture, climate and economy as drivers of eating habits and patterns among people and groups, while changing food culture and habits influence nutritional status of all age groups. The burden of food-related morbidity and mortality due to unhealthy diet has become public health concern in recent times. The implications of distorted eating behaviour and changing food habit on nutritional status and Perceived Health-related Quality of Life (PHQoL) of adults in Oyo State is unclear. This study was carried out to investigate changing food habits, eating behaviour, and PHQoL of adults in Oyo State, Nigeria.

This descriptive cross-sectional study used a mixed method approach. One Local Government Area (LGA) per senatorial district and two wards (one rural, one urban) per LGA were selected using simple random sampling and 589 household heads aged 50 – 70 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Twelve Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted using FGD guide to explore earlier food culture. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, food habits, eating behaviour, 24-hour dietary recall and PHQoL. Energy and nutrients intake were determined using adapted total dietary assessment software. Adequacy of dietary intake was categorised as inadequate (<80%), adequate (80-120%) and excess (>120%). Body weight and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and categorised using WHO standards. Qualitative data were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation and Multiple regression at α0.05.

Respondents were majorly rural dwellers (56.4%), farmers (50.2%) and mean age was 62.3±14.6 years. All respondents reported changes in food habit from pap, maize porridge, amala, pounded yam, beans and bean cake to indomie, spaghetti, semovita and wheat, with less consumption of fruits. Poor land fertility (69.7%), changes in food processing method (77.4%), time factor (72.4 %) and absence of wildly grown indigenous vegetables (73.0%) were reported as some of the causes for changing food pattern. Those with bad eating behavior constituted 58.1%. Respondents believed that changing food habits could lead to decreased life expectancy (77.0%), increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases (74.5%) and frequent illness (75.3%). There was significant difference in nutrient intake pattern of energy, protein, fat, vitamin A, calcium, zinc and iron between rural and urban respondents. Energy, protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus and zinc intake were 1839.0±647.0kcal, 62.3±34.4g, 24302.8±14884.3IU, 165.0±140.7mg, 279.3±248.7mg and 11.0±5.9mg respectively. Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.4%, 19.2% and 10.7% respectively. Energy (r=0.17), protein (r=0.12) and zinc (R=0.20) intake had positive significant correlations with PHQoL.

Transition from indigenous to westernised food habits and bad eating behaviour is high among adults in Oyo State. Burden of overweight and obesity (29.9%) and dietary intake are positively correlated with perceived health-related quality of life. Promotion of healthy eating habits and life styles is needed among the respondents.