Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess the nutritional status and quality of life of female street sweepers in New Delhi. Data was collected from 50 adult (>18 years), non pregnant and non lactating female street sweepers using a pre-tested questionnairecum- interview schedule, one-day 24 hour recall method and WHOQOL-BREF scale for quality of life. Most of the subjects (68%) belonged to age group of 31 â�?�? 45 years, 60 percent were illiterate and 50 % were working for 6 â�?�? 8 hours each day. Majority (34%) reported to have their monthly incomes below Rs 10,000. The mean BMI of subject was 24.38 �?± 3.09 kg/m2 and mean Waist- Hip Ratio (WHR) was 0.82 �?± 0.04. The mean intake for energy and protein was significantly lower than the RDA (p<0.01). The micronutrient consumption was much below the recommended levels (p<0.01) indicating poor nutrient intakes. In terms of food groups consumption, the consumption of fruits and vegetables, milk and milk products was significantly lower than the suggested intakes (p<0.01). The subjects scored significantly lower on the environment domain of quality of life (49�?±13) as compared to physical (64 �?±10) and psychological (62 �?± 140) condition and social relationship (63 �?± 130) domain (p<0.01). This indicates that subjects were not satisfied with their financial status, medical services, transport and opportunity for leisure activities but were satisfied with social life, body appearance, personal life, sleep and energy level. High BMI and WHR, high fat-low fibre-low micronutrient intakes, indicates higher risk to developing NCDâ�?�?s even in this low-income group subjects. In terms of QoL, subjects scored best in their physical health domain followed by psychological, social relationships and least in environmental domain.

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