ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to assess breakfast eating habits and nutritional status of undergraduates in public Universities in Enugu State. This cross sectional study was carried out using 420 undergraduates aged 16 to 25 years. Data on personal information, dietary habits, breakfast eating habits, nutrition knowledge and foods commonly eaten for breakfast were collected using a structured questionnaire.  Anthropometric measurements of weight, height and MUAC were taken using standard procedures.  Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 using frequency, percentage, mean (SD) and chi square. The result of their personal characteristics showed that 39% and 34% were between 23-25 years and 20-22 years, 32.1% were in 400 levels, 44% were within 4-6 in a household. About 51.7% ate three times a day, 31% skipped breakfast while 69% consumed breakfast. All the students (100%) consumed snacks, of which 40.2% consumed due to their likeness for it, and 31.7% consumed it daily. Most (79.8%) claimed that all the snacks listed in this study were their favorite. Nutrition knowledge of breakfast eaters and breakfast skippers did not differ significantly (x²=4.301; p-0.116), however, there was a significant difference between the MUAC of breakfast eaters and breakfast skippers with breakfast skippers being more malnourished (x²=16.831; p-0.000). Socio demographic factors affecting breakfast consumption were age, religion, educational level and family size. Despite that majority of respondents consumed breakfast, the quality and frequency of food consumption are still of concern and may influence their nutritional status. Hence, the need to encourage breakfast consumption so as to meet the daily dietary allowance is advocated.