EXPLORING THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF PHARMACY STUDENTS' EATING HABITS IN ELELE, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND OF STUDY: Pharmacy students are at risk of making poor dietary choices despite having excellent knowledge on healthy eating habits. This unhealthy eating habits lea d to a significant health problem like obesity, cardiovasculardisease, and they are highly exposed to body weight gain and decreased physical performance. Studies conducted on the eatinghabits of pharmacy students showed a prevalence of unhealthy eating habits among pharmacy students. This study explored and investigated the eating habits of pharmacy students. METHODS: The study used a phenomenological study design and the eating habits ofpharmacy students was observed through an In-Depth Interview (IDI) approach. A total of 10 respondent participated in the research interview. RESULT: The result of the study showed that Pharmacy students have excellent knowledge on healthy eating habits.Lived experiences of pharmacy students on their eating habits emerged four essential themes: Good knowledge on eating habits, Daily eating habits of Pharmacy Students,Challenges Faced in Practicing Healthy Eating Habits,and, Effect of their Eati ng Habits on their Well-being and Academic Performance. The result also showed a prevalence of unhealthy eating habits among Pharmacy students. These findings shed more light on the eating habits practiced by Pharmacy students. CONCLUSION: From the research study, it was inferred that Pharmacy students were well-versed on the totality of what healthy eating habits entails. Despite this knowledge, most of them practiced unhealthy eating habits with a few minorities maintaining healthy eating habits. KEYWORDS: Eating habits,in-depth interview, pharmacy students, phenomenological study.