Determination of Nutritional Habits and Nutritional Status of Adult Individuals Living in Lefkoşa

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional habits and status of adult individuals living in Lefkoşa.

Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted with 1550 adult individuals. In order to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, a questionnaire consisting of 26 questions was applied by face to face interview method. Anthropometric measurements of the subjects were taken. Food consumptions were assessed using a 24-hour retrospective recall method.

Results: The mean age of the individuals was 34.9 ± 13.66 years, 47.3% of them were women and 52.7% were men. Body mass index (BMI) was 24.9 ± 5.40 kg / m2 in women and 25.3 ± 4.11 kg / m2 in men. According to BMI classification, 44.1% of women and 50.6% of men were overweight and obese. The prevalence of chronic disease was increased with obesity (p <0.001). Obesity was found to be decreased in those with higher educational level (p <0.05). Mean waist circumference was 83.4 ± 16.64 cm in women and 90.3 ± 13.38 cm in men. It was determined that 37.9% of the women and 18.1% of the men were in the high risk group (p <0.001). The prevalence of high-risk and high-risk waist / height ratio was 53.0% and 50.2% for men and women. While 51.8% of women had carbohydrate intake below the recommendations and this frequency was 49.6% in men.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for nutritional education on adequate and balanced nutrition of individuals in order to protect and improve the health of the population in Lefkoşa region, in Cyprus.