1.1 INTRODUCTION
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
i. What are the causes of stress in Asaba?
ii. What are the effects of diet on stress level of adults?
iii. 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.
