ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY PATTERN AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS AND OFF CAMPUS IN IMO STATE POLYTECHNIC, OMUMA, ORU-EAST LGA

ABSTRACT The study was carried out to assess dietary pattern and nutritional status of students residing on campus and off campus Imo state Polytechnic Omuma. Three hundred respondents on and off Campus using simple random sampling method. Data was collected using 24 hours dietary recall, dietary pattern,diet history and anthropometric data such as weight and height and body mass index was also determined. The data was analysised by using frequency and percentage.The study revealed that more than half (65.3%) monthly stipend were within ₦5000 - ₦7000; majority (87.3%) of the respondents skip meal but their reasons differ. Eighty-eight, six percent of the students consume snacks. Majority of the students (74.6%) do not take breakfadt before going to school which is as a result of no food, lack of time and lack of appetite. Major value of their daily intake is carbohydrate-based foods such as garri, fufu, yam, noodles, spaghetti, and rice, with a low intake of fruits. Nutritional assessment showed that 12.0% of campus and 10.6% of off-campus students were underweight, 8.5% and 5.0% overweight. The study concludes that poor dietary diversity and sub-optimal nutrition remain challenges among undergraduates. It is recommended that nutrition education be incorporated across all educational levels, proper dietary practices encouraged from childhood, and orientation programmes used to sensitize students on healthy eating. Additionally, food vendors and caterers in institutions should undergo training on how to select and preparing balanced diets to support student growth, health, and academic performance.