Author(s): Wachukwu-Chikodi, Happiness I and Salomi Odehowho Onoriode

Abstract:
The study examined street foods consumption and the nutritional status of the elderly in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. A multistage selected sample of 160 elderly (men and women) persons across four (4) strata classification (via: Obio, Akpor, Apara, and Evo) participated in the study. The two (2) experts validated 6 item instrument titled “Consumption of Street Foods and the Nutritional Status of the Elderly Questionnaire” (CSFNSEQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.769 (determined using Cronbach Alpha method) was used for the collection of data analyzed using mean to answer research questions 1 and 2 (with a criterion mean cutoff), while regression analysis was used to answer research questions 3 and 4 at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that: the consumption of pastries statistically (approximately 59 percent) contributed and significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the nutritional status of the elderly, while the intake of roasted bole statistically (approximately 54 percent) contributed and significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the nutritional status of the elderly in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. The study recommended amongst others that: nutritionists and dieticians advocate against using high cholesterol oil for producing snacks or pastries that will reduce the functioning of the heart when consumed. Alongside, producers of roasted plantain ensuring that their bole is properly cooked to avoid indigestion which can destabilize and retard the agility of the elderly.