| dc.description.abstract | Physical activity (PA) and nutritional patterns are major factors that determine body
weight status which in turn affects one's health status. The purpose of the study was to
assess the PA, nutritional patterns and body weight status of Members of the 9th
Parliament of Uganda (MPs). A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to
gather data on the MPs· PA, nutritional patterns and body weight status of the MPs.
systematic random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Though the study
sampled 245 MPs, only 150 (61 %) MPs responded. The data was collected using
descriptive survey questionnaires and statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version
22.0). The findings indicated that MPs spent an average mean of 2.2 days on Vigorous
PA and in each of these days; they spent an average mean of 13.5 minutes on Vigorous
PA.MPs also spent an average mean of 2.6 days on moderate PA and on each of these
days, they spent an average mean of 23 .0 minutes. MPs also spent an average mean of 2.9
hours sitting during weekends and an average mean of 3.4 hours sitting during weekdays.
The findings further revealed that 76% MPs consumed processed foods and 67% MPs
consumed fatty foods 3 times a day, 47% of MPs consumed 3 eggs per week and also
32% of the MPs consumed nut and seeds 3 days in a week. The food consumption score
was at 30.95 and was classified as borderline. Their overall body weight status was
summarized as follows; Underweight 10 (6.7%), Normal weight 48 (32%), Overweight
63 ( 42%), Obese class I 25 ( 16. 7%), Obese class JI 4 (2.6%). Most of the MPs both men
and women were in overweight category. It was established that PA and nutritional
patterns had a significant and positive relationship with the body weight status of the
MPs. It is therefore recommended that the government of Uganda, through the Ministry
of Health, strengthens sensitization of the population regarding proper nutrition and
awareness on PA.
KEYWORDS: Physical Activity, Nutritional Patterns, Body weight Status, Members of
the 9th Parliament of Uganda | en_US |
