Pages: (162-172 )
Abstract
Dietary diversity is the number of different foods or food groups consumed over a given reference period and also it is qualitative measure of food consumption that reflects household and individual to a variety of food. Lack of dietary diversity and poor nutritional status is a problem among university students which have negative consequences on an individual health, well-being and development. Diversified diet is essential for the success of adequate nutrient for optimal health, mental well-being, satisfaction and enjoyment. A cross- sectional study was carried out to assess dietary diversity and nutritional status among 200 undergraduate students aged 16-24 years in two Public tertiary institutions in Oyo state. A semi structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic and socio-economic variables, Anthropometric measurement, Dietary diversity and 24-hour dietary recall of the respondents. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0, descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, standard deviation and correlation was carried out at P< 0.05. The level of underweight was 11.0%, normal weight 74.0%, overweight 12.5% while obesity was 2.5%. Majority (85.0%) of the respondents had medium dietary diversity and no significant relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status of the respondents. There was statistical difference between the fat intakes of the respondents by gender, strong association between body mass index and the reason against the respondents eating certain foods (0.00%) and also between body mass index and mother’s occupation (0.00%). In conclusion, dietary diversity should be encouraged most especially the intake of fruits and vegetables among undergraduates.
Keywords: Dietary Diversity, Nutritional Status, Public Tertiary Institutions, Undergraduate Students,