Dietary Diversity and Nutritional status of teachers in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diversity in the diet is essential for preserving people's general health and well-being. The nutritional status and dietary diversity of teachers in Yewa North Local Government, Ogun State, Nigeria, are evaluated in this study.

Materials and Methods: Data from a sample of 390 teachers, ages 25 to 60, was gathered using a cross-sectional study approach. Questionnaires given by interviewers were used to collect data on demographics, socioeconomic status, and dietary diversity based on food groups. Additionally, anthropometric data such as height, weight, and visceral fat were obtained.

Results: The findings demonstrated that a sizable fraction of the participants had low dietary diversity, which suggests that they consumed a restricted range of foods. Gender and nutritional diversity also showed a strong correlation, with females having higher levels of food diversity than males. A considerable portion of the participants were classified as underweight, overweight, or obese. It was shown that there was a substantial correlation between gender and BMI, with more men being underweight and overweight and more women being obese. Most respondents had normal levels of visceral fat, however, there was a substantial gender difference in visceral fat, with more males having high levels and more females having normal levels.

Conclusion: Since inadequate dietary diversity and abnormal nutritional status might raise the risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, these findings have significant implications for the health and well-being of teachers.