Eating habits, nutritional knowledge and weight status of undergraduates In Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy eating habit is a serious public health issue among young adults who experience transition into university life. This habit is linked to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases globally.

Objective: This study provided information about the eating habits, nutritional knowledge and weight status among undergraduate students in a Nigerian university.

Methods: A sample size of 386 undergraduates was selected through a multistage sampling technique from science and non-science-based faculties of the university. A self-administered questionnaire which had four sections was used to elicit information. Nutritional knowledge was assessed with 17 questions and 52 questions for eating habit of the respondents. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and used to classify weight status of the respondents.

Results: Majority (66.8%) were science-based with the mean age of 21.9±2.78 years. Most respondents were females (60.4%) and singles (98.2%). Sixty-four per cent (64%) had good knowledge of healthy eating.Mostof the sciencebased students showed good eating habit as evidenced in their positive attitude (69% vs. 50%; p = 0.0001; AOR 1.933; CI 1.216-3.071) and good practices (68.2% vs. 31.2%; p = 0.0001; AOR 4.438; CI 2.797-7.041). Science students had two times better attitude and four times better practice compared to their non-science counterparts. Overweight was more common among non-science-based students while underweight was common among science-based students.

Conclusion: It is necessary that awareness of healthy eating be created among the undergraduates with the integration of nutrition course as compulsory elective especially for non-science-based disciplines.

Keywords: Eating habit, knowledge, weight status