Nutrition Knowledge, Breakfast Consumption Pattern And Prevalence Of Obesity Among Undergraduates In Abia State University, Uturu:- Iloh, Chidiogo L

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at assessing the nutrition knowledge, breakfast consumption pattern and prevalence of obesity among undergraduates in Abia state university, Uturu. A multi stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 431 undergraduates. The data on socio demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, breakfast consumption pattern of undergraduates were obtained using structured and validated questionnaire. The weight and height measurements were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). The study revealed that more than half (55.2%) of the students were females. The result also showed that some (32.9%) of the students were between the ages of 16-19years. It revealed that more than half (74.2%) of the students w ere single and many (83.3%) were Christians. The result further showed that half of the student (51.3%) had poor nutrition knowledge and many (71.9%) of the students skip breakfast. Furthermore, more than half (55.9%) ate breakfast because of its availability. The study on the anthropometric status of the students revealed that more than half (70.7%) of the students had normal weight while some (21.6%) of them were overweight and there is high prevalence of overweight among the students. It was recommended that nutrition education should be included in the academic curriculum of students in tertiary institution to improve their food choices and for a healthy living.