Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status of adults living in urban Communities in Lagos State

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is a major threat to the world's public health. While under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies persist, obesity is increasing worldwide. Although malnutrition has been extensively researched among children, it has become of increasing concern among adults because of the relative increase in the prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status of adults in an urban community in Lagos State. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 320 adults selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaires and standard anthropometric measurements. Chi-square analysis was used to compare prevalence between categories. RESULTS: Only 15.9% of respondents had good nutritional knowledge. The dietary habits and estimated nutrient intake showed a deficiency of fiber, energy and most micro-nutrients with the exception of zinc, iron and vitamin A. Dietary carbohydrate, protein as well as sodium levels were elevated. BMI findings estimated the prevalence of overweight at 24.8% and obesity at 17.3%. However, there was no statistically significant association observed between nutritional knowledge and status of respondents. CONCLUSION: Nutritional knowledge was poor and obesity was relatively high among participants. Improved nutrition education intervention is necessary to increase knowledge and reduce obesity among adults living in urban communities in Lagos, Nigeria.