ABSTRACT
This
study employs a cross-sectional survey design to examine the consumption of
micronutrient-rich foods among the academic and non-academic staff at Michael
Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). A structured questionnaire
was used to collect data on existing dietary patterns, and establishing the
correlation between micronutrient-rich food consumption and income levels. The
study's significance lies in its potential to illuminate the importance of
integrating micronutrient-rich foods into daily diets, providing valuable
insights for nutrition education, research, and policy planning. Result shows
that majority of the staff assessment (92.3%) are of Igbo ethnic group against
(1.3%) of other tribes due to the location of the study which is in the eastern
part of the country. The dietary habits and snacking behavior data reveals that
the 67.2% opted for biscuits as their
preferred snack while the remaining (32.8%) choose various forms of snacks.Regarding meal choices, a significant portion of the staff
(88.2%) preferred to eat when they feel hungry, while a smaller proportion
(9.8%) consumed food at their convenience. Furthermore, the dietary pattern
indicates that the majority (85.8%) of Micheal Okpara University of
Agriculture, Umudike staff opted for homemade meals while (10.3%) dined in
restaurants, and a few (3.7%) ordered food from vendors. Beverages consumption
data showed that the majority of (80.6%) of staff took non-alcoholic beverages.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages is relatively low, with 91.3% of staff
abstaining from alcohol.There is a high consumption of Vitamin A rich foods (22.2%)
and moderate consumption of folate containing food (11.1%). In summary, this research offers a good
understanding of the consumption patterns of micronutrient-rich foods among
Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike staff. By exploring factors
such as socio-demographics and knowledge levels, the study provides a
foundation for targeted interventions and educational initiatives to improve
the nutritional well-being of the University's academic and non-academic staff.
The outcomes of this research can inform policies, education programs, and
practices aimed at promoting healthier dietary habits within the University
setting.
ELEMUO (2024). Consumption Of Micronutritent Rich Foods And Dietary Patterns Among Micheal Okpara University Of Agricuture, Umudike Staff:- Elemuo, Favour U. Repository.mouau.edu.ng: Retrieved Sep 13, 2025, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/consumption-of-micronutritent-rich-foods-and-dietary-patterns-among-micheal-okpara-university-of-agricuture-umudike-staff-elemuo-favour-u-7-2
ELEMUO. "Consumption Of Micronutritent Rich Foods And Dietary Patterns Among Micheal Okpara University Of Agricuture, Umudike Staff:- Elemuo, Favour U" Repository.mouau.edu.ng. Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 20 Sep. 2024, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/consumption-of-micronutritent-rich-foods-and-dietary-patterns-among-micheal-okpara-university-of-agricuture-umudike-staff-elemuo-favour-u-7-2. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.
ELEMUO. "Consumption Of Micronutritent Rich Foods And Dietary Patterns Among Micheal Okpara University Of Agricuture, Umudike Staff:- Elemuo, Favour U". Repository.mouau.edu.ng, Repository.mouau.edu.ng, 20 Sep. 2024. Web. 13 Sep. 2025. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/consumption-of-micronutritent-rich-foods-and-dietary-patterns-among-micheal-okpara-university-of-agricuture-umudike-staff-elemuo-favour-u-7-2 >.
ELEMUO. "Consumption Of Micronutritent Rich Foods And Dietary Patterns Among Micheal Okpara University Of Agricuture, Umudike Staff:- Elemuo, Favour U" Repository.mouau.edu.ng (2024). Accessed 13 Sep. 2025. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/consumption-of-micronutritent-rich-foods-and-dietary-patterns-among-micheal-okpara-university-of-agricuture-umudike-staff-elemuo-favour-u-7-2