Pattern of diet and exercise amongst urban adults

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive online study was conducted on 359 participants (183 females: 50.98% and 179 males: 49.02%) using a pre-tested and pre-validated questionnaire to determine the pattern of diet and exercise among urban adults. The mean age of female participants was 48.02 +/- 7.67 years, while that for their male counterparts was 48.84 +/- 9.52 years without significant gender difference in mean age (Z=0.896; p=0.369). There was significant gender difference in preference for non-vegetarian diet (Z=3.021; p=0.002) and pure vegetarian diets (Z=3.094; p=0.002), with no significant gender difference in choice of vegetarian plus egg diet (Z=0.493; p=0.624). Significantly (Z=3.363; p=0.0007) more females preferred to consume fish. The gender difference was not significant for performance of physical (Z=0.234; p=0.818) and breathing exercises (Z=0.432; p=0.667). There was significant gender difference (Z=2.177; p=0.029) in those reporting Type-2 diabetes mellitus. Community-based behavioural change communication campaigns can help inculcate healthy eating habits and exercise patterns.