Nutritional status of single male government-sponsored refugees from Ethiopia

Single male Ethiopian refugees living in Ottawa were interviewed to determine their dietary intakes, anthropometric status, and the factors associated with nutritional status. Of 58 eligible subjects, 39 (67%) participated. Dietary intakes, measured by three 24-hour recalls, revealed that protein, iron and Vitamin C generally met or exceeded the Nutrition Recommendations for age. The mean percentages of total energy consumption from protein and fats were 17.2% and 33.4% respectively. The mean energy intake of the group was 81.5% +/- 23.9 of the level recommended. 21% had a body mass index (BMI) below 20, and 55% of arm circumference measurements fell at or below the tenth percentile of the National Center for Health Statistics standards for black males. Participants with higher domestic skill scores, measured by the questionnaire, had significantly higher energy intakes (p less than 0.02). Lack of domestic skill was the dietary problem most commonly identified by participants.