Assessment of Nutritional Status and Dietary Pattern of a Rural Adult Population in Dry Zone, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The objective of this work was to describe average dietary intake, physical activity (PA) and nutritional status of the adult population of Girandurukotte, Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional survey, including one 24-h dietary recall, international physical activity questionnaire and anthropometric measurements was conducted in a representative sample of 120 adults. Mean (SD) for body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) were 23.06(4.20) kg/m2, 85.6(9.5) cm, 0.95(0.05) and 0.55(0.07), respectively. Significant differences were observed in height, body fat %, body muscle %, hip circumference, WHR, WHtR, fat mass index and hand grip strength between men and women (p < 0.05). Among the study group, 35.8% were overweight, 13.3% were obese and 11.7% were underweight. Central obesity was observed in 59.2%, 97.5% and 74.2% of adults by WC, WHR and WHtR, respectively. Mean (SD) dietary diversity score and dietary diversity score with portions were 4.77(1.28) and 4.09(1.32), respectively. Mean daily intake of protein, fruits, vegetables and dairy were well below the national recommendations. Despite the higher PA level, nearly half the population was overweight and obese and the majority was centrally obese. None of the dietary diversity scores met the optimal levels, suggesting poor quality and quantity of the diet.