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 lgbinedion 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.