PREVALENCE OF OIL AND GHEE CONSUMPTION IN GENERAL POPULATION; A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of daily oil, butter and ghee consumption in general population.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: A multi-center community-based survey conducted at AFIC, AFIO, AFIRI and PEMH hospital of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used. Healthy individuals (attendants of patients visiting these hospitals) of both genders and willing to participate were included and participants having any disability, bed ridden and seriously ill were excluded. Participants underwent a physical examination, anthropometry and blood pressure determination. Lab investigations were performed by hospital laboratory which included blood sugar fasting/ random, blood pressure and lipid profile.

Results: A total of 700 respondents participated in the study; the mean age of our study population was 43.62 ± 14.80. The gender distribution consisted of 259 (40.4%) males and 382 (59.6%) females. Majority of the participants were from Punjab (74%). Family history of the co-morbids was found higher for HTN (28%), diabetes (19.50%), CHD (17.1%), Obesity (9.70%) and for hypercholestremia (5.70%). Trigycerides were measured to be out of range i.e., 183.19 ± 93.38 while it should be less than 150mg/dL and Blood Sugar Fasting was 109.51 ± 54.68 mg/dl. According to our finding, average family members per house hold were found to be 7. Monthly mean consumption of oil per house hold was found 5.49 ± 5.39 ltr while monthly mean consumption of ghee per house hold was found to be 1.830 ± 4.87 Kg.

Conclusion: The findings facilitate quantitative assessment of consumption of dietary fats attributable to dietary factors and in future can be used to inform national and global efforts to alter diet, reduce disease, and improve population health.