A STUDY ON THE DIETARY QUALITY OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR SURROUNDING FOOD ENVIRONMENT

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study The dietary habits and nutritional well-being of university students play a critical role in shaping their overall health, well-being, and academic success. At the University of Ibadan—a prestigious institution known for academic excellence—the student population is diverse, and among them are students living in the Agbowo village community. These students represent a unique demographic whose food choices are likely influenced by factors within their immediate environment (Chinyoka & Naidu, 2019). Studying the nutritional status of undergraduates in the Agbowo area is especially important because university life marks a transition from adolescence to early adulthood—a phase often accompanied by significant changes in lifestyle, including diet. Factors like increased personal responsibility, limited time, and financial constraints commonly affect students' eating habits. In addition, the university setting—with its academic pressures, social interactions, and extracurricular commitments—creates both challenges and opportunities for maintaining a healthy diet (Chinyoka & Naidu, 2019). The Agbowo area itself is characterized by a wide range of food outlets, including restaurants, vendors, and markets, all of which influence students’ access to and selection of food. Despite the recognized impact of food quality on student health and academic outcomes, research specifically examining the dietary habits of University of Ibadan undergraduates—particularly those living in Agbowo—is limited. Existing studies tend to generalize eating patterns or focus on specific health outcomes without considering the complex relationship between individual dietary behavior and the surrounding food environment. According to UNESCO’s EFA Global Monitoring Report (2022), over 25% of children in Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from being underweight due to inadequate food intake and malnutrition. These conditions weaken the immune system and impair cognitive focus in learning environments. Malnutrition, as described by Ecker and Nene (2020), refers to a chronic condition caused by either excessive or insufficient intake of essential nutrients relative to an individual’s health needs. This may result from poor food consumption or diets lacking key nutrients (Chinyoka & Naidu, 2019). Nabarro et al. (2017) assert that when children do not receive adequate amounts of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin C, it can adversely affect their academic outcomes. Connell (2016) observed that only 14% of infants born with normal birth weight had comparable academic results to those born underweight. Alarmingly, about 34% of children with low birth weight required repeating grades or placement in special education programs. Similarly, Duncan et al. (2018) found that poor nutrition leading to low birth weight was linked to higher rates of grade repetition. These findings highlight the importance of adequate nutrition in supporting academic performance. Furthermore, Shrestha and Pathak (2021) and Brauw et al. (2017) note that past beliefs held that chronic underfeeding was the sole factor behind long-term brain damage and hindered cognitive growth. During the first three years of life, the brain’s cerebral cortex undergoes rapid development, including neuron formation, synapse creation, axonal and dendritic growth, and synaptic pruning. Orazem et al. (2017) emphasize that each stage builds on the one before it, meaning that any disruptions—such as trauma, stress, or nutritional deficiencies—can lead to permanent effects not only on brain structure but also on emotional development and academic capabilities. Lacour and Tissington (2019) also affirm that malnutrition during childhood can severely impact cognitive development in adulthood. These insights underscore the importance of protecting individuals at all life stages from malnutrition due to its lasting impact on health and educational outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the diet quality of undergraduate students at the University of Lagos and how it relates to their surrounding food environment. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite significant efforts under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other initiatives, many developing countries, including Nigeria, continue to face challenges in achieving optimal nutrition outcomes. A key reason is the stark disparities in nutritional progress across nations (Stevens et al., 2021). The eating patterns of undergraduates have a direct impact on their health and academic productivity. However, current understanding of diet quality among university students—particularly those at the University of Lagos remains limited (Stevens et al., 2021). Given increasing concerns around nutrition-related health problems such as malnutrition, obesity, and non-communicable diseases, there is a pressing need for structured studies that directly explore students' dietary behaviors and nutritional status. For this reason, this study focuses on examining the diet quality of University of Lagos undergraduates in connection to their food environment. 1.3 Objective of the Study The overall aim of this study is to evaluate the diet quality of undergraduate students at the University of Lagos and how it is influenced by their food environment. The specific objectives are: i. To evaluate the quality of diets consumed by undergraduate students at the University of Lagos. ii. To identify the factors that influence students’ diet quality. iii. To offer practical recommendations for enhancing the diet quality and nutritional well-being of undergraduates at the University of Lagos. 1.4 Research Questions This study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What is the quality level of diets consumed by undergraduate students at the University of Lagos? ii. What factors influence the diet quality of these students? iii. What strategies can be implemented to improve the diet quality and overall nutritional health of undergraduate students at the University of Lagos? 1.5 Significance of the Study The results of this research will be beneficial in several ways: University Policies and Programs: Insights from the study can inform institutional policies that encourage healthy eating on campus, including initiatives for nutrition education and the provision of healthier food options. Ministry of Health: The findings will be valuable in assessing student health and guiding interventions that address poor dietary habits, which may reduce the risk of chronic illnesses later in life. Academic Community: This study contributes to scholarly literature on student nutrition and health, offering data that can inform future research and policy decisions. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research focuses on evaluating the diet quality of undergraduates at the University of Lagos in relation to their food environment. Empirical analysis will center on assessing the quality of food students consume, the influencing factors behind their dietary choices, and potential strategies for improving their nutrition. Geographically, the study is confined to the University of Lagos student population. 1.7 Limitations of the Study Like most research efforts, this study encountered some challenges, including: Time Constraints: Balancing the demands of academic responsibilities such as attending classes alongside conducting research presented time management challenges. Financial Limitations: The research incurred expenses related to printing, typesetting, sourcing materials, and data collection. Material Availability: Locating relevant literature was sometimes difficult due to the relatively limited availability of academic work on this specific topic. 1.8 Definition of Terms Diet Quality: This refers to how well an individual's diet meets nutritional guidelines, including adequacy, variety, balance, and moderation of nutrient intake. Undergraduate Students: These are individuals pursuing a first degree (typically a bachelor's degree) at a tertiary institution such as the University of Ibadan.