Nutritional Assessment of Rural Farmers in Ahmadabad District of Gujarat State—Implication for Health and Well-being

Abstract

Nutrition is an important factorcontributing to health and functional ability. Malnutrition is more common in geriatric population but it is underestimated.Nutritional status is an important component of nutritional care and state of health of any individual. This study examined the nutritional status of rural farmers of Ahmadabad district in Gujarat State using dietary assessment method and body mass index (BMI). The major objectives of the study were to determine the food regimen of the farmers, compare it with their nutritional status found out by MNA tools, and suggest improvement measures. A total of 100 male farmers were used for the study. Questionnaire was used to collect dataon dietary pattern of the farmers. Descriptive statistics (mean and percentage) and chi square test was used for data analysis. Results showed that food selection was basedon locally produced food (plant products). BMI results showed that 56% of the farmers were normal, 35% were at risk malnourished and 9% farmers were malnourished. The results further showed that the energy, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins, sodium, potassium, calcium and iron intake of the farmers were not fulfilled as per their RDA. Study can be concluded as inadequate dietary pattern results in poor nutritional status of the farmers which leads the farmers towards the non-communicable diseases and poor productivity.

Keywords: Mini nutritional assessment, body mass index, dietary pattern, elderly, rural farmers

Cite this Article

Gayatree Jadeja, Hina Chavda. Nutritional Assessment of Rural Farmers in Ahmadabad District of Gujarat State—Implication for Health and Well-being. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(Issue 3 Special): 57s-63s.