Infulence Of Inflation In Food Prices On The Dietary Choices Of Undergraduates In Abia State University, Uturu Absu:- Maduegbu, Oluchukwu G

ABSTRACT x Rising food prices have increasingly limited undergraduates’ ability to afford nutritious diets, threatening their health and academic performance. This study examined the effects of food inflation on dietary affordability, accessibility, and nutritional status among undergraduate students of Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU) to provide insight into student nutrition in the face of economic challenges. A total of 214 students participated, and data were collected through validated questionnaires administered to participants, as well as anthropometric assessments. Results revealed a balanced gender distribution, with most students aged 22-25 years-, predominantly Igbo, Christian, and mostly single. Most relied on parental support, while others were self-sponsored. Food inflation influenced dietary patterns, with higher consumption of affordable, calorie-dense foods such as condiments, sweets, and oils, and lower consumption ofnutrient-rich foods like eggs, fish, and organ meats. While 74.8% ofstudents had normal BMI, 17.3% were overweight, and 5.6% obese. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between BMI and affordability of protein-rich foods, indicating that students with stronger financial support had better access to nutritious diets. The study concludes that food inflation has shifted dietary behaviors toward less diverse and nutritionally imbalanced choices, highlighting the need for improved nutrition awareness among undergraduates.