Effect Of Diet On Stress Levels Of Adults Between 30- 60 Years In Asaba

Project and Seminar Material for Public Health

Abstract

The aim of this study is to appraise the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30 and 60 years in Asaba, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted, the population comprises all the residents of Asaba. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents for the study and a questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors. The main objectives of the study are as follows: (1) to examine the effects of diet of adults on stress level of adults; (2) to assess the research hypothesis, the chi-square was used; (3) to evaluate the relevant hypothesis, a mean score rating method was used. The results showed that there is a positive effect of the diet on the stress level in adults. Efforts should be made to reduce the level of stress among adults.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

According to Keown, (2004) diet is the sum total of food consumed by a person or other organism. It refers to a specified level of consumption of nutritional intake for the maintenance of good health and weight. Diet is often influenced by people’s culture and personal preferences which is linked to personal tastes or ethical reasons. The choice people make for diet consumption may be more or less healthy. Therefore, it essential to have complete nutritional understanding of good diet intakes which should include carbohydrate, protein, fat ,vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids from protein and essential fatty acids. Good Dietary habits and choices play a significant role in the quality of life, health and longevity.

The diet pattern of an individual affects ones stress level. A definition of stress proffered by Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders (2003) stated that stress is a term that refers to the sum of the physical, mental and emotional strains or tensions of a person. The study seeks to appraise the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30- 60 years in Asaba.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In Nigeria there is an increasing level of stress among adults as a result of dietary intakes. Consequently, many adults are either overweight or obese, increasing their risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, hypertension, stroke, respiratory problems and various cancers. Current studies reveal a connection between stress and food. People tend to consume high-calorie, high-fat foods during periods of stress, though in fact, when people are stressed, their bodies store more fat than when they are relaxed. Therefore, stress influences our eating habits. It is apparent that many adults engage in unhealthy eating habits as a result of stress which often leads to undesirable consequences. The problem confronting the study is to appraise the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30- 60 years in Asaba.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The Main Objective of the study is to appraise the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30- 60 years in Asaba;

The specific objectives include:

To assess the causes of stress in Asaba.
To examine the effects of diet on stress level of adults.
To investigate the strategies for stress management.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the causes of stress in Asaba?
What are the effects of diet on stress level of adults?
What are the strategies for stress management?

1.5 Statement of the Hypothesis

Ho1: There is no significant effect of diet on stress level of adults between 30 to 60 years in Asaba.

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study proffers an appraisal of the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30- 60 years in Asaba. It provides relevant data for the effective formulation and implementation of policies to enhance the realization of envisaged objective.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study proffers an appraisal of the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30- 60 years in Asaba.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

The study was confronted with logistics and geographical factors.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Diet Defined

Diet is the sum total of food consumed by a person or other organism. It refers to a specified level of consumption nutritional intake for the maintenance of good health and weight.

Stress Defined

Stress is a term that refers to the sum of the physical, mental and emotional strains or tensions of a person.

Health Care Delivery System Defined

World Health Organization defines health systems as a system consisting of all organizations, people and actions directed at promoting, restoring or maintaining health. This includes efforts which influence health determinants and health-improving activities. A health system encompasses publicly owned facilities which delivers personal health services, health insurance organizations, a mother’s care for a sick child at home; vector-control campaigns, efforts of private health care providers.

Health Care Providers Defined

Healthcare providers consist of those institutions or individuals which provides healthcare services.

Education Defined

Education is viewed as the process of inviting truth and possibility. It is the wise, hopeful and respectful cultivation of learning undertaken in the belief that all should have the chance to share in life.

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Summary

This study focused on the effects of diet on stress levels of adults between 30 to 60 years in Asaba, Nigeria. The study was set to address three research objectives.

The objectives which include:

To assess the causes of stress in Asaba.
To examine the effects of diet on stress level of adults.
To investigate the strategies for stress management.

Based on the above stated objectives and the study carried out, the following findings were made:

That the causes of stress in Asaba include but not limited to money, work, the economy; and wrong diets.
That the there is a positive effect of diet on stress level in adults
That the strategies for stress management include but not limited to balanced diet; listening to music; exercising or walking and spending time with friends and family

5.2 Conclusion

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effect of diet on stress levels of adults between 30 to 60 years in Asaba, Nigeria. The study was set to address three research objectives. Three research questions guided the study.

In this study, a survey research design was adopted, the population comprises all the residents of Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria, a simple random sampling technique was used to select 200 respondents for the study and a questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Relevant literatures were reviewed which guided the objectives and methodology of this study. As result of the field study and analysis of results, the following findings were made:

That the causes of stress in Asaba include but not limited to money, work, the economy; and wrong diets.
That the there are positive effects of diet on stress level in adults.
That the strategies for stress management include but not limited to balanced diet; listening to music; exercising or walking and spending time with friends and family.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Efforts should be made to reduce the level of stress among adults in Asaba.
Government at all levels should organize Seminars, workshops and group counselling for adults occasionally.
The media can assist in educating the masses on stress and diet; how to deal with stress and on what a healthy diet entails.

Get Complete Project Material