Dietary Patterns and Lipid Profile of Middle-Aged Adults in Onitsha, Anambra State

Dyslipidaemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is significantly influenced by dietary fat quality and overall dietary patterns. This study examines the dietary patterns and lipid profiles of adults aged 40 to 60 years in Onitsha North and Onitsha South local government areas of Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Onitsha, as a major commercial hub, exhibits a dietary transition characterised by increased intake of saturated fats, red meat, and palm oil-heavy preparations alongside high levels of physical inactivity. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 adult participants recruited through multistage sampling from community health outreach events. Dietary patterns were identified using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and principal component analysis was applied to derive dietary pattern scores. Fasting lipid profiles including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were obtained from venous blood samples analysed at an accredited laboratory. Body mass index and blood pressure were measured as additional cardiovascular risk indicators. Findings are expected to identify a high-fat dietary pattern significantly associated with elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. The study contributes evidence to cardiovascular disease prevention strategies targeting middle-aged adults in South East Nigeria. Keywords: dietary patterns, lipid profile, cardiovascular risk, Onitsha, dyslipidaemia.