Evaluation of the nutritional status and total daily energy expenditure of farmers, fishermen and fish farmers in the northern areas of the Republic of Congo

Abstract

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among farmers, fishermen and fish farmers aged from 18 to 90 living in the northern areas of the Congo. The objective of this study was to establish a link between total daily energy expenditure and nutritional status during the practice of agriculture, fishing or fish farming. Anthropometric parameters were collected. The people’s nutritional status was assessed from calculated Body Mass Index. Total daily energy expenditure was estimated by determining a basal expenditure which is multiplied by the physical activity level for famers/ fishermen. The basal metabolic rate of each subject was estimated from Henry's predictive equations. Statistical tests (chi-square test, Pearson's correlation coefficient and ANOVA test) were used for the statistical analysis of the results. The results showed that the average age of the population was 47.14±13.65 years, the average weight was about 59.96±11.67 kg and the average height was about 1.63±0.08 m. The average Body Mass Index was 23±4 kg/m2. The mean total daily energy expenditure was 2697±480 kcal/d (men: 3041±321, women: 2271±245). The prevalence of underweight was 10%. It was higher for farmers (16.7%) than fishermen (3.7%) and fish farmers (2%). The prevalence of overweight was 22%. It was higher for fish farmers (29%), fishermen (26.9%) than farmers (15.2%). In conclusion, the population studied appears to be the victim of a double nutritional and energy burden statistically influenced by the type of activity performed. The correlation was weakly positive (r=0.234) between the Body Mass Index and the total daily energy expenditure which significantly varied (p<0.001) according to the performed activity.