Abstract:
Studies on nutritional status of state employees are limited and therefore the present study
was conducted to determine the nutritional status of a selected sample of employees
attached to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP), who directly involve in
facilitating the academic activities of the University. This is a cross-sectional study
carried out by interviewing 130 non-academic members of USJP staff for collecting
information on their socio-demographic factors, physical activity levels and food habits.
Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist to Hip ratio (WHR) were calculated according to the
WHO anthropometric standards while seven-day food consumption was recorded to
assess the food and energy intake in the participants. The prevalence of overweight and
obesity in the sample was32.3% and 10.8% respectively while 53.8% and 63.9% of the
participants had WC (waist circumference) and WHR. Among the participants, 79.2% of
members had a sedentary lifestyle spending most of their time sitting without exercises at
work and at home. Moreover, they showed a significant relationship with overweight and
obesity (r=0.4, p<0.05).In the sample,both males and females had higher average protein
and energy intakes than required. Participants with higher energy intake showed a
positive relationship with those who are overweight and obese (r=0.5).The contribution of
calories from carbohydrate, protein and fat in males was 70.3 %, 11.3% and 18.4%
respectively and same in the females was 66.0%, 11.6% and 22.4% respectively. Further,
a significant difference (p<0. 05) was observed in carbohydrate intake and fat intake
between males and females. Since overweight and obesity appear as a serious concern in
general health of the public it is important to carry out proper awareness programs to
educate workers on the importance of healthy dietary patterns and regular exercises for
their better well-being.
