Nutrition Knowledge Dietary Practice and Nutrition Status among Adult Gym Users in Mogadishu- Somalia

Abstract

As gym attendance increases in Somalia, many individuals are aiming to improve their exercise routines and diets to achieve better health and fitness. However, research on nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, and nutritional status among the Somali population remains limited. This study aimed to assess the nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and nutritional status of adult gym users in Mogadishu. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 114 male and female adults aged 18–59 who attended various gyms in the city. Data collection involved a semi-structured questionnaire and an individual dietary diversity questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Nutritional status was determined using Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), based on measurements of weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics used for proportions, frequencies, means, and standard deviations, and chi-square tests applied to identify associations between variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The majority of participants were male, aged 26–35, with university education and salaried employment. A significant association was found between nutritional status and occupation (p=0.012), but no significant associations were found with sex, age, or education level. Most participants understood that a balanced diet is important, with common food groups consumed being cereals (93%), fruits (88%), vegetables (84%), and beverages (54%). While dietary diversity showed no significant relationship with nutritional status overall, beverage consumption did show a link. Most respondents also believed in the importance of drinking eight to ten glasses of water per day. Nutrition knowledge was generally not significantly associated with nutritional status, except in the practice of checking food labels. The findings showed that 71% of gym users were in good health, with 8% classified as obese and most having a low health risk. The study effectively captured the socio-demographic profile of gym users and identified gaps in nutrition knowledge and dietary practices, emphasizing the need for improved awareness and guidance. It is recommended that gyms in Mogadishu provide tailored fitness programs that consider users’ age, gender, and education level, and collaborate with nutritionists to deliver regular educational workshops and personalized dietary advice. Encouraging balanced eating habits and incorporating routine health assessments, such as body composition analysis, can enhance users’ nutritional status and support their fitness goals

Keywords: Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Practice, Nutrition Status