ASSESSMMENT OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, DIETARY PATTERN AND ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE.

ABSTRACT

The study determined the dietary pattern and anthropometric measurement of undergraduate students in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State. The specific objectives were to determine the socio demographic data of the respondents, determine various anthropometric measurements of the respondents (Weight, Height and BMI), determine the usual dietary pattern of the respondents using Food Frequency Questionnaires, assess the dietary intake using the 24 hour dietary recall questionnaire and evaluate the relationship between their feeding habit and the anthropometric status of the respondents. The study employed the use of descriptive survey design. The sample for the study was 382 drawn from the population of all undergraduate University students of Abia State University, Uturu, Abia extension campus, Umuahia Abia State. The study used a structured questionnaire accompanied with Anthropometric measurement to obtain data for the weight and height of ABSU undergraduate. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation analysis. The present study revealed that 3.66% of the undergraduates used in the study were underweight, 17.2% had normal weight while 42.6% were overweight and 36.3% of the respondents were obesed. The result also revealed 25% of men are at moderate risk of obesity with while 38.7% of females are at moderate risk. Result indicated that 58.6% of the respondents skip meals at one point of the day. The most commonly consumed staple cereal was maize (85%), followed by bread and spaghetti (84%). The other sources of starch in their daily diet were yam, fufu, garri and rice (84%). The commonly consumed vegetables were; fluted pumpkin (ugu), onions, tomatoes, spinaches cabbage, bitter, okro and carrots leaf (89.2%). The study among others recommended education should be given to all on strategies to promote the intake of high biological value proteins so as to avoid risk of malnutrition amongst undergraduate and also inclusion of lessons on healthy eating and optimal dietary practices (with practical aspects) in the curriculum of all undergraduate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover Page                                                                                                    

Title Page                                                                                                                    i

Declaration                                                                                                                 ii

Certification                                                                                                               iii

Dedication                                                                                                                  iv

Acknowledgment                                                                                                       v

Table of Contents                                                                                                       vi

List of Tables                                                                                                              ix

Abstract                                                                                                                      x

CHAPTER 1                         

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study                                                                                1

1.2       Statement of the Problem                                                                               3

1.3       Objectives of the Study                                                                                  4

1.3.1    General objective of the study                                                                        4

1.3.2    Specific objectives of the study                                                                      4

1.4       Significance of the Study                                                                               4

CHAPTER 2             

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1.      Overview of Adolescent Nutrition                                                                 6

2.2.      Nutrition Knowledge of Adolescents                                                                         8

2.3       Dietary Practices of Adolescents                                                                    9

2.4       Nutrition Status of Adolescents                                                                      11

2.4.1    Assessment of adolescent’s nutrition status                                                   14

2.5       Developing Healthy Eating Habits                                                                 15

2.6       Anthropometry                                                                                               15

CHAPTER 3                         

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1       Study Design                                                                                                  17

3.2      Area of Study                                                                                         17

3.3       Population Study                                                                                            17

3.4       Sampling and Sampling Techniques                                                              18

3.4.1    Sample Size                                                                                                    18

3.5       Preliminary Activities                                                                                    19

3.5.1    Preliminary Visits                                                                                           19

3.5.2    Training of Research Assistants                                                                     19

3.5.3    Ethical Approval                                                                                             19

3.6       Data Analysis                                                                                                  19

3.6.1    Questionnaire Administration                                                   19

3.6.2    Validation of Questionnaire                                                  20

3.6.2    Anthropometric Indices                                                      20

3.7       Data Analysis                                                                                 21

3.8       Statistical Analysis                                                                 21

CHAPTER 4                         

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1       Personal and Socio-Economic Status of the Undergraduates             22

4.2       Anthropometric Status of the Undergraduates                            24

4.3       Dietary Patterns of the Undergraduate                                   26

4.4       24-Hour Dietary Recall of the Undergraduates                      28

4.5       Relationship between Food Habits and Anthropometric Status of the

Older Persons                                                                    31

CHAPTER 5             

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1.1      Conclusion                                                                               33

5.2       Recommendation                                                                        33

REFERENCES

LIST OF TABLES

4.1a     Personal and Socio-economic status of the undergraduates                          23

4.1b     Continuation of Personal and Socio-economic status of the undergraduates           24

4.2       Anthropometric status of the older respondents                                             25

4.3a     Dietary pattern of undergraduates                                                                  26

4.3b        Dietary pattern of undergraduates                                                                  27

4.4a     24-hour dietary recall of the undergraduates according to different

food groups                                                                                                     29

4.4b     Continuation of the 24-hour dietary recall of the undergraduates according to

different food groups                                                                                      30

4.5       Relationship between Food Habits and Anthropometric Status of the Older

Persons                                                                                                            32

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Dietary pattern (DP) is the general profile of food and nutrient consumption which is characterized on the basis of the usual eating habits. The analysis of dietary patterns gives a more comprehensive impression of the food consumption habits within a population. It may be better at predicting the risk of diseases than the analysis of isolated nutrients or foods because the joint effect of various nutrients involved would be better identified (Hu, 2012). Also, since nutrient intakes are often associated with certain dietary patterns (Randall et al., 2010; Kant et al., 2011) single- nutrient analysis may be confounded by the effect of dietary patterns (Ursin et al., 2013). Patterns of nutritional behaviors adopted in childhood and adolescents are mostly continued in adult life and increase the risk of development of many chronic diseases (Kapka-Skrzypczak et al., 2012). Diets in childhood and adolescents have public health implications due to evidence relating poor nutrition in childhood to subsequent obesity and elevated risks for type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases (Canete et al., 2017), which are increasing in prevalence (WHO, 2014).

Nutritional status is the sum total of an individual’s anthropometric indices as influenced by intake and utilization of nutrients, which is determined from information obtained by physical, biochemical, and dietary studies (Durnin and Fidanza, 2015). It is a result of interrelated factors influenced by quality and quantity of food consumed and the physical health of the individual. An adolescents’ nutritional status has important implications for his health, development of several chronic diseases, and plays a key role in breaking the cycle of malnutrition. The transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important period for establishing behavioral patterns that affect long- term health and chronic disease risk (Meg et al., 2012). University students seem to be the most affected by this nutritional transition (Baldini et al., 2009; Wickramasinghe et al., 2014). Studies have shown that adolescence leaving their parents and living away from home to attend college experience numerous health-related behavioral changes, which includes adoption of unhealthy dietary habits (Cluskey and Grobe, 2009; Wengreen and Moncur, 2009 ; Strong et al., 2018; ). These adopted habits are mostly attributed to drastic changes in the environment and resources available, frequent exposure to unhealthy foods and habits (Huang et al., 2013). Many undergraduate students are adolescents who encounter numerous health risks along the path to adulthood, many of which affect quality of life and life expectancy. Studies have shown that youths are particularly vulnerable to poor eating habits and are said to be in the habit of eating “junks” (Papadaki and Scott, 2012). These poor eating habits may likely arise from lack of knowledge of the cumulative effects of their eating habits. In Nigeria, where there is an increase in fast food centers in its urban cities, it is a major concern (Ajala, 2006; Akinwusi and Ogundele, 2015). Most undergraduates are likely to be responsible for their diet first time away from home, therefore they need guidance on how to make informed dietary choices (Satia et al., 2014). Other studies have linked the lifestyle of students, especially breakfast consumption, to their mental abilities which is reflected in their academic performance (Pollit et al., 2017; Lisa, 2018). However, most of these studies have excluded young respondents in the tertiary institution. Since poor dietary habits is a lifestyle challenge undergraduate students face while in school, this study was therefore carried out to assess the dietary pattern and anthropometric measurement of undergraduate students in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important period for establishing behavioral patterns that affect long-term health and chronic disease risk (Meg et al., 2012). University students seem to be the most affected by this nutritional transition (Baldini et al., 2009; Wickramasinghe et al., 2014). Days in the four wall of the University is a time when many important habits that will follow them in adulthood. With the many stressors and obstacles men face being on their own for the first time, it can derail them from cultivating healthy habits (Jackson et al., 2009). Thus this population group experience variety of transformations that lead them to preoccupation with body image, assertions of independence and also uncertainties about sexuality, future relationships and career options (Trexier and Sargent, 2013). This leads to display of irregular lifestyle and influences by many outside factors which in turn predispose them to food habits that ultimately affect their nutritional status. West and Cumines (2016) had noted that adolescence is a period when peer pressure can affect teenage eating behavior and they may be skipping meals or possibly under-eat or over eat. Also Shaw (1998); Olumakaiye et al.,( 2010) had revealed problematic eating habit like skipping of meals (especially breakfast) which leads to higher level of snacking among this population group. Delisle et al., (2019) also observed that eating habits or patterns are frequently erratic in adolescents and this may be a common factor of nutritional risk, irrespective of area. Qlan (2011) noted that due to time constraints, some students may frequently neglect entire meals during the day; and as a result resort to late-night binge eating. Some dietary pattems which include snacking (usually on energy dense foods), meal skipping (particularly breakfast), irregular and wide use of fast foods appear quite common among adolescents. Some of these factors have been associated with overweight and obesity (Thompson-Mccomick et al.,.2010). As young respondents move into an independent living situation, there is a high risk for unhealthy eating habits (Gower et al.,. 2009). Far from the care of parents, most undergraduates may begin to develop unhealthy eating habits over a short span of time (Freedman and Conners 2010).

Based on this problems, this study will examine the dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.3.1 General objective of the study

The general objective of the study is to determine the dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State.

1.3.2 Specific objectives of the study

The specific objectives are to:

1.     determine the socio demographic data of the respondents.

2.     determine various anthropometric measurements of the respondents (Weight, Height and BMI).

3.     determine the usual dietary pattern of the respondents using Food Frequency Questionnaires.

4.     evaluate the relationship between their feeding habit and the anthropometric status of the respondents.

1.4 Significance of the Study

Data collected from this study will be used to increase knowledge in the subject areas as at time of the study, but may also be significant in the following ways.

Information gotten will help policy makers in designing policies that will benefit this age group, and also aid in designing appropriate nutritional intervention for this age group and among the populace. This study will be relevant to mothers and caregivers as to know the anthropometric status of their children and its health implication, then make appropriate adjustment where needed.

The study will be useful to Food and Agriculture Organization in improving household food and nutrition security through effective decision making. It could also be used in planning and implementing food, nutrition programmes and interventions on the quality and adequacy of food consumed by individuals.

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