Weight Status, Dietary Intake And Eating Behaviour Of Nigerian Postgraduate Students In Unisza, Malaysia

Mohd Razif, Shahril and Sharifah Wajihah Wafa, Syed Saadun Tarek Wafa and Hadiza, Abdullahi Abubakar (2016) Weight Status, Dietary Intake And Eating Behaviour Of Nigerian Postgraduate Students In Unisza, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 16 (3). pp. 45-51. ISSN 1675–0306

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Abstract

University years are a critical period regarding a change in eating behaviour, notably among international students. Body weight and eating behaviour of Nigerian students have never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status and eating behaviour of Nigerian postgraduate students in UniSZA, Malaysia. A total of 82 students (76 male and six females) with a mean age of 28.1 ± 2.0 years old participated in this study. Participants completed a set of a self-administered questionnaire and three days 24-hour dietary record. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated to determine the weight status Energy and nutrient intake was described in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Majority of the students had normal weight (69.5%), with minority overweight and obese (11.0%). The mean total caloric intake of the students was 2142 ± 434kcal/day. More than half of the students ate carbohydrate less than the recommended range while ate fat above the recommended range. However, more than half of the students consumed protein within the recommended range. Majority of the students skipped at least one meal daily with breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal (51.2%). Most students consume fruits frequently (37.8%) and 39% consume vegetables sometimes. It is about 40.2% of students never/less than once a month consumes fast food. Present study suggests that the need of further study to monitor any changes in body weight, eating behaviours of the students after living few months in Malaysia. These might help to provide a better understanding of adaptation to new culture.

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