Assessment of Nutritional Status in Post Menopausal Women of Ardebil, Iran

The aim of the present study is to describe socio-demographic and anthropometric factors, energy, nutrient intake and food habit of menopause women. In the descriptive cross-sectional study, 924 females (386 urban and 538 rural) aged more than 50 years from different areas of Ardebil province were selected by a multi stage sampling method. Variables including age, anthropometric factors, calorie and nutrients intake as well as the food habit were recorded for each case. In order to determine dietary intake, information of 24 h dietary food recall was recorded for three successive days. The educational levels and some socio-demographic variables were evaluated using an appropriate questionnaire. Statistical comparison of means among different groups was performed using ANOVA and t-test. The general proportions of overweight for rural and urban women were 37.9 and 44.6%, respectively. There was significant differences in anthropometric factors including height, weight and BMI among literacy levels (p< 0.05). No statistically differences were between job levels and anthropometric indicators. The mean of daily iron and vitamins (B1, B3 and C) intakes of post menopausal women were adequate. However the mean of folate, vitamins B2 and B6, calcium, zinc, selenium and calorie intake were less than dietary reference intakes. We concluded that percentage of overweight, obesity among post menopausal women in urban area were more than rural area