Anthropometric indices of undergraduate students of Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State

Abstract

Background: The adoption of unhealthy dietary habits has been reported in adolescents who are predominantly in tertiary educational institutions. This has an implication in the aetiology of obesity, amajor risk factor of chronic metabolic diseases.

Objective: This study was conducted to determine anthropometric indices of undergraduates of Edo State University, Uzairue, Edo State, Nigeria

Methods: Four hundred undergraduate students of Edo State University, Uzairue aged between 16 and 22 years participated in this cross-sectional descriptive study. Three hundred and sixteen participants completed age and anthropometric indices while 301 participants responded to questions on diet. Eighty-four questionnaires were incompletely filled. Additionally, anthropometric indices including, body weight and height were obtained using standard methods while body mass index was calculated

Results: Individuals with normal BMI accounted for the highest percentage (63.9%) of study participants. No significant difference was observed in the anthropometric indices between male and female participants. A higher percentage of participants consumed dairy products; female (64%) and male (80%). A similar observation was made regarding egg consumption; female (55%) and male (70%). Conversely, a lesser percentage consumed organ meat; female (26%) and male (40%).

Conclusion: It appears the dietary pattern of study participants may not adversely affect the anthropometric indices of study participants.