ABSTRACT

The food habits of one hundred and ninety five undergraduates students were investigated by means of validated questionnaire. The nutrition status were assessed by the use of anthropometric. measurements (weight and height) and weighed f6od intake. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and chi-square analysis. Results from the data revealed that larger proportion of their the males (52.4%) purchased already prepared foods from the canteen while others (47.6%) prepared their foods in their rooms. There is a significant difference in the food habits of those who purchased already prepared foods from the canteen and those who cook their foods in their homes. Results from the data also revealed that larger proportion of the females (59.8%) cook their foods in their rooms while some (40.2%) of the respondents purchased already prepared foods from the canteen. Generally, it was observed using body mass index (BMII) that 29.1% of the male students were malnourished, 3 6.9% were normal, 11.7% were overweight while 22.3% were obsessed. It was also found out that 25.0% of the female students were malnourished, 55.4% were normal 7.6% were overweight, 12.0% were obsessed. There is a significance difference between the male students that are malnourished and those that are not malnourished. This work also shows that the quality of food sold in the canteen is higher than those prepared in the rooms. Also the individual food intake of students who a4 in the canteen were higher than those who ate in their rooms.