Knowledge of Diets as A Modifiable Risk Factor of Obesity Among Women of Reproductive Age in Ibadan, Nigeria

Knowledge of Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) on diets as a Modifiable Risk Factor (MRF) of obesity was assessed in a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A multi-stage sampling technique and semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire were adopted to elicit information. Knowledge of diets as MRF was assessed on a 12-point scale and poor score was ≤7 while good was >7. Obesity was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI) and respondents with BMI ≥30kg/m² were classified as obese. Pattern of consumption of high calorie foods was assessed using a 7-day food frequency questionnaire. Respondents’ age was 29.9±8.7 years and 56.0% had tertiary education. Sixty-two percent had good knowledge of diets as MRF for obesity and prevalence of obesity was 18.6%. Frequently consumed high calorie foods included cocoa-based drinks (24.8%), carbonated sweet drinks (19.6%) and high calorie snacks (15.4%). The MRFs of obesity mentioned by the respondents were bad eating habits, which included frequent consumption of high calorie foods (71.2%), genetic predisposition (48.2%) and inactivity (32.0%). Knowledge of diets as MRF was not significantly associated with BMI at p≤0.05. Respondents aged 30-34 years were more likely to have higher knowledge of healthy eating as MRF of obesity than those aged 15-19 years (OR: 2.6; 95%CI: 1.3– 5.2). Despite the awareness on causes of obesity, there was no significant difference between knowledge of diets as risk factors to obesity and BMI. Nutrition education on healthy eating, which encourages consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduced consumption of high calorie foods should be directed at WRA using appropriate health promotion approaches