Strategies for Promoting Nutritional and Health Status of Students in Nigerian Higher Institutions of Learning

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the causes of poor nutritional and health status of students in higher institutions in Nigeria and the measures for improvement for sustainable national development. The population comprised nurses, medical doctors, nutritionists, Home Economics lecturers, post graduate students; undergraduate students in colleges of education, polytechnics and universities in Delta, Edo and Lagos States. A sample of 1,500 persons was randomly selected. Questionnaire on a 4-point scale was used for data collection. The data was analysed by the use of percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that the major causes of nutritional/health problems are tight schedule and so no enough time to prepare meal;, insufficient money to prepare nourishing meals; insufficient time for resting; and insufficient money to purchase prescribed drugs. Some of the students experienced constipation, diarrhoea and typhoid fever. Some of the measures to improve the nutrition and health of the students are as follows: the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the judicious use of foods in season. It was recommended among others that nutrition and health education should be given to the students.

Keywords: Nutrition Education, Health Education, Health Status, Nutritional Status, Health problems, Nutritional problems, Balanced diet, Foods in season