Effects of Socioeconomic Status on Anthropometry and Food Consumption in 35-45 Year Old Women

Abstract

The female gender plays an important role in a family, managing children and other family members. In this course, the health of the women is adjusted to a large extend. Socioeconomic status plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Socio economic status (SES) could indicate a difference in dietary diversity in individuals The following study was conducted to know the nutritional status of the women in Mumbai. The purpose of the study was to assess the consumption of different food groups among the higher socio-economic status and lower economic status sample. The study was conducted to find the correlation between the food consumption and anthropometric measurements. Consumption of the various food groups by different socio-economic status was noted using the semi quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Due to the prevalence of COVID-19 lockdown, the string method was used (Ashwell, 2010), which indicated the preponderance of abdominal obesity in women. Socioeconomic status was calculated using BMC classification which included Ration Card details, Annual Income detail. Results showed that low socioeconomic status women did not focus much on healthy eating habit, and were found to have less abdominal fats (p = 0.002). Prevalence of high calorie food consumption was found in higher socioeconomic status.(p= 0.001). Imbalance of food group consumption was observed between different SES and quality of food consumption was compromised. It can be concluded that healthy food options should be made available at lower rates for lower SES, making changes in government policies can help to achieve a balance in nutrition among different SES.

Part of CIRS Nexus · Curated by Lauren Lowenstein, The Biotoxin Lady