PATTERN OF NUTRIENT SELECTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STATUS IN FEMALES OF LOW INCOME STATUS BELONGED TO UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI

Abstract

Nutrition related problems like over and under-nutrition or selective nutrient deficiencies are the most common cause of long term systemic pathologies all over the world. Nutrition and health status of women are important both for the psychosocial behaviors of the society and for the healthy development of future generations. Present study is designed to assess the pattern of nutrient selection and sternness of daily physical activity in lower working or living in residential area of university of Karachi. Total of seventy two females with age group of 20-68 years, were selected for the study. Participant’s personal profile, medical and family history were collected by the investigators through a questionnaire. Physical measurements were recorded for every participant. 24hr daily dietary intake was recorded with Harvard service food frequency questionnaire for two working days and one holiday. Results from studied females showed daily consumption of milk and dairy products with large amount of red meat in the daily diet as compared to fruits and vegetables. They were consuming more carbohydrate proportion in their diets together with various fast food items. Physical activity status also marked with 3-4 hours leisure time activity per day. This study highlights that unhealthy food selection, lack of proper physical activity and low awareness are the measure determinants of ill health in females of low income status. Key Words: Calorie count, Diet, Nutrition, Life Style, Physical Activity, Females.