Nutritional Status Assessment of Women From Different Occupations in Urban and Semi-Urban Regions of Gujarat

Abstract

Objective: To assess the nutritional status of women in urban and semi-urban regions of Gujarat. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on 605 women (aged 18-50 years) from urban and semi urban region was conducted in Gujarat, Western India. The parameters analyzed were anthropometry and body composition. Assessment of nutritional status was performed using BMI to evaluate percentage underweight, overweight and obesity. The analysis was stratified for the regions (urban or semi-urban) and type of occupation (students, housewives, working women). Chi square test was used to estimate percentage prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity amongst different groups of women. Results: Students from urban region had higher mean BMI (21.4 ± 3.7 kg/m 2) and PBF (29.5 ± 5.9%) as compared to students of semi urban region (BMI: 19.8 ± 3.7 kg/ m 2 ; PBF: 26.0 ± 6.1%) (p < 0.05). Homemakers of urban region showed significantly lower BMI (24.7 ± 4.3 kg/m 2) and PBF (34.8 ± 6.2%) as compared to homemakers of semi-urban region (BMI: 26.0 ± 4.8 kg/m 2 ; PBF: 36.6 ± 6.2%) (p < 0.05). Working women group in both regions did not differ significantly for their BMI and PBF (p > 0.05). Students of semi-urban region showed high percentage of underweight (43.60%) as compared to students of urban region (19%) (p < 0.05). While in homemakers of semi-urban region 41% overweight and 19% obesity was observed whereas, in urban region it was 31% and 12% respectively (p < 0.05). Percentage of underweight, overweight and obesity was not significantly different in working women amongst two regions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicated coexistence of obesity and under-nutrition in semi-urban region of Gujarat. These dual nutritional health problems are developing specially in urbanizing areas of our country.