Main Article Content
Snacking as a Contributor to Overweight among Nigerian Undergraduate Students.
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the role of snacking as a contributor to overweight among undergraduate students.
Subjects and Methods: Four hundred and eighty ndergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were investigated using simple random cluster method from four popular snack outlets. Structured questionnaires were administered to elicit information on snacking habit. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were obtained. Overweight was assessed and defined as Body Mass Index =25. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Frequency counts, percentages, correlation and regression analyses were determined.
Results: There were 178(37.2%) male and (302)62.8% female. Mean age of the undergraduate students was 22.7±3.16; highest among 20-25 years age range (p<0.05). About 42.5% consume snacks daily; 27% substituted snacks for breakfast, 27.5% for lunch and 33.3% ate snacks in-between meals. Prevalence of overweight among the students was 31.7%, which was higher among females than male (p = 0.001). Snack
consumption related positively to overweight (r = 0.558, P<0.05). Income (R = 1.426, P<0.05) had positive association with snack consumption.
Conclusion: Snack consumption among the undergraduate students in the study area has implication on the nutritional status especially overweight.
Key words: Overweight, snacking, undergraduates, Nigeria.
Subjects and Methods: Four hundred and eighty ndergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were investigated using simple random cluster method from four popular snack outlets. Structured questionnaires were administered to elicit information on snacking habit. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were obtained. Overweight was assessed and defined as Body Mass Index =25. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Frequency counts, percentages, correlation and regression analyses were determined.
Results: There were 178(37.2%) male and (302)62.8% female. Mean age of the undergraduate students was 22.7±3.16; highest among 20-25 years age range (p<0.05). About 42.5% consume snacks daily; 27% substituted snacks for breakfast, 27.5% for lunch and 33.3% ate snacks in-between meals. Prevalence of overweight among the students was 31.7%, which was higher among females than male (p = 0.001). Snack
consumption related positively to overweight (r = 0.558, P<0.05). Income (R = 1.426, P<0.05) had positive association with snack consumption.
Conclusion: Snack consumption among the undergraduate students in the study area has implication on the nutritional status especially overweight.
Key words: Overweight, snacking, undergraduates, Nigeria.
