Dietary Habits and Its Associated Factors among Adults Attending a Selected Primary Medical Care Unit in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Dietary habits among adults are influenced by a wide range of factors, including individual, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic determinants. These factors need to be understood in order to encourage healthy food habits and avoid diet- related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and malnutrition. Objectives: To identify the dietary habits and its associated factors among adults attending a selected primary medical care unit (PMCU) in Rathnapura District Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 adults (above 19 years of age) who attended the PMCU of Yaya 02, Ratnapura District, Sri Lanka. Convenient sampling was used to select the participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data, including demographic data, anthropometric data (weight, height, BMI, waist circumference), and dietary habits (carbohydrate, fat, sugar intake, meal skipping). Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0, using both descriptive and inferential statistical tests including the Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, and correlational analysis (p<0.05). Results: The sample consisted of 25.8% males (n=48) and 74.2% females (n=138), the majority (53.2%) aged 40–65 years. For medical history, 35.5% were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, 21% had heart diseases, 46.8% had dyslipidemia, and 21% had hypertension. Their mean±SD BMI was 24.59±4.54 kg/m², and the mean±SD waist circumference was 84.2±10.1 cm. For dietary habits, 47.8% had high-carbohydrate meals, 21.5% had a high-fat diet, and 12.3% had high-sugar intake. Additionally, 14% skipped breakfast and 8.1% skipped lunch and dinner. Statistical analysis showed gender and BMI had a significant association (p<0.05) but not with the rest of the demographic factors and dietary practices. Conclusions: The study identifies that gender was significantly associated with BMI. Females had a higher BMI than males. Unhealthy dietary habits, including high carbohydrate and fat intake, were prevalent among the participants. The findings emphasise the need for targeted nutritional interventions and public health programs promoting healthy dietary habits among adults in the selected PMCU