ABSTRACT

This cross sectional study was aimed at determining the dietary diversity and nutritional status of undergraduates students in two universities, South East Nigeria. A total of 358 male and female students were selected using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-economic status, dietary habits and lifestyle pattern. Dietary diversity was assessed using 24 hour dietary recall to determine the type of food consumed from the nine food groups. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedures. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi square with SPSS version 20.0. Results revealed that 56.7% were within the age of 22-25 years, 31.8% were given between N6,000 - N10,000 a month and 55.3% were between 4-6 in their household. About 21.8% missed breakfast, 39.1% and 36.9% ate heaviest at lunch and dinner and 96.4% consumed snacks mainly biscuits (27%). About 4.2% smoked cigarettes and consumed soft drinks (25.4%), fruits (98.6%). Majority (89.7%) engaged in one form of exercise daily (26.8%) and 70.9% usually observe their siesta. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 24.6% and 4.7%, respectively among the students. According to their waist circumference and waist hip ratio (WHR) classification, 10.3% and 16.8%, respectively were at risk of cardiovascular disease. Majority (64.8%) of the students had low dietary diversity while 28.5% and 6.7% had medium and high dietary diversity. The food group with the highest mean score was legumes (0.72±0.44) and sweet (0.70±0.45) while egg (0.10±0.30) food group had the least mean score. There was no significant (p>0.05) relationship in the BMI, dietary diversity scores and socioeconomic characteristics of the students. Due to the low prevalence of dietary diversity found in this study, correct lifestyle pattern and dietary diversification should be encouraged among students as to control non-communicable diseases caused by overweight and obesity.