DIETARY PATTERN AND RISK OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG ADULTS IN ZARANDA GARI VILLAGE, TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE

ABSTRACT Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as significant public health challenges in rural Nigeria due to rapid changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors. Understanding these shifts is critical for effective prevention strategies. This study investigated the sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among adults in Zaranda Gari Village, a rural community in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 220 respondents, assessing dietary intake, anthropometric measures, and self-reported health conditions. Results revealed a predominantly young population with relatively high educational attainment, yet a substantial proportion lived below the poverty line. Three distinct dietary patterns traditional ( P =0.028*), transitional, and modern (P = 0.031*) were identified, with the traditional pattern remaining predominant. Notably, the modern dietary pattern was significantly associated with higher prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension, and physical inactivity. The study documented a dual burden of malnutrition, with 14.5% underweight and 30.9% overweight or obese respondents. Logistic regression analysis indicated that modern dietary habits, physical inactivity, and age above 35 years were significant predictors of NCD risk factors. In conclusion, these findings highlight the nutrition transition occurring in rural Nigeria and underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions that promote healthy traditional diets and active lifestyles to curb the rising NCD burden. Recommendations include enhancing nutrition education, improving access to fruits and vegetables, strengthening rural health services, and conducting longitudinal research to further elucidate these trends.