Nutritional Status and Dietary Habits among Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Karachi: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status and dietary behavior are important determinants of health, particularly in rapidly urbanizing populations where undernutrition and excess body weight may coexist. Objective: To evaluate nutritional status and dietary habits among adults attending primary health care centers in Karachi. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over six months among 240 adults recruited through convenience sampling from selected public-sector primary health care centers in Karachi. Dietary practices were assessed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Standardized measurements of height and weight were obtained, body mass index was calculated, and nutritional status was categorized according to World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Overall, 18.3% of participants were underweight, 36.7% had normal weight, 29.6% were overweight, and 15.4% were obese, with overweight and obesity collectively affecting 45.0% of the sample. Irregular meal patterns were reported by 41.2% of participants. Daily fruit and vegetable intake was reported by 37.5% and 42.5%, respectively, while 38.8% consumed fast or fried foods frequently and 31.7% reported daily intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusion: The study identified a dual burden of malnutrition among primary care attendees in Karachi, characterized by the coexistence of underweight and excess body weight alongside suboptimal dietary practices. These findings support the need for routine nutritional screening and dietary counseling within primary health care services. Keywords: Nutritional Status; Dietary Habits; Body Mass Index; Primary Health Care; Karachi; Cross-Sectional Study.