Assessment of dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in a private university in southern Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Analysis of dietary patterns gives a more comprehensive impression of the food consumption habits within a population. Poor dietary habits among undergraduate students have been reported as a lifestyle challenge they face while in school. This study was carried out to assess the dietary pattern and nutritional status of undergraduate students in Igbinedion University, Okada. METHODOLOGY: This study applied a cross‐sectional, descriptive study design and 800 undergraduate students selected by multistage sampling method participated in the study. Data were collected using pretested, structured self‐administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package (version 22.0) and level of significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of respondents was 23.5 ± 2.4 years, with a higher proportion being females (468; 58.5%). Over half of the respondents 448 (56.0%) skipped breakfast and 608 (76.0%) ate in between meals. More females 280 (59.8%) compared to males 168 (50.6%) skipped breakfast and the association between gender of respondents and breakfast skipping was statistically significant (p < 0.010). Majority of the respondents 744 (93.0%) ate snacks and the association between age group and snacking status of respondents was statistically significant (p < 0.034). Three hundred and ninety‐two (49.0%) of the respondents had high dietary diversity score while 212 (26.5%) had low dietary diversity score. The association between age group and dietary diversity was statistically significant (p < 0.001). More males 172 (51.8%) had a significantly (p < 0.004) higher dietary diversity score compared to the females 220 (47.0%). Over two‐thirds of the respondents 564 (70.5%) had normal BMI, 112 (14.0%) were overweight, and 76 (9.5%) were underweight. CONCLUSION: Skipping of breakfast and eating in‐between meals are common among the study population. Regular nutrition education program by the institution with emphasis on adequate dietary practices is recommended.