Dietary intake and nutritional anthropometry of the non-academic employees of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), Sri Lanka

Abstract

Studies on nutritional status of state employees are limited and therefore the present study was conducted to determine the nutritional status of aselected sample of employees attached to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), who directly involve in facilitating the academic activities of the University. This is a cross-sectional study carried out by interviewing 130 non-academic members of USJP staff for collecting information on their socio-demographic factors, physical activity levels and food habits. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) were calculated according to the WHO anthropometric standards while seven-day food consumption was recorded to assess the food and energy intake in the participants. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the sample was32.3% and 10.8% respectively while 53.8% and 63.9% of the participants had WC (waist circumference) and WHR. Among the participants, 79.2% of members had a sedentary lifestyle spending most of their time sitting without exercises at work and at home. Moreover, they showed a significant relationship with overweight and obesity (r=0.4, p<0.05).In the sample, both males and females had higher average protein and energy intakes than required. Participants with higher energy intake showed a positive relationship with those who are overweight and obese (r=0.5).The contribution of calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat in males was 70.3 %, 11.3% and 18.4% respectively and same in the females was 66.0%, 11.6% and 22.4% respectively. Further, a significant difference (p<0. 05) was observed in carbohydrate intake and fat intake between males and females. Since overweight and obesity appear as a serious concern in general health of the public it is important to carry out proper awareness programs to educate workers on the importance of healthy dietary patterns and regular exercises for their better well-being.