Unhealthy dietary habits among university students represent a growing public health concern, contributing to

both undernutrition and rising cases of overweight and obesity. This study evaluated the dietary patterns,

dietary diversity, and associated factors influencing the nutritional status of undergraduate students in Bingham

University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A repeated cross-sectional survey in which data was collected at

generally inadequate, reflecting poor micronutrient-rich food consumption. Prevalence of malnutrition was

evident, with significant proportions of students classified as underweight, overweight, or obese, highlighting

the double burden of malnutrition within the study population. Socioeconomic factors, lifestyle practices, and

food availability were key determinants of dietary behaviour and nutritional outcomes. The study concludes

that undergraduate students face significant nutritional challenges arising from poor dietary patterns and

limited dietary diversity. It recommends targeted nutrition interventions, awareness programs, and policy

measures within tertiary institutions to promote healthier dietary practices and improve the overall nutritional

well-being of students.

patterns emphasize consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins, while

minimizing processed and high-fat foods. Conversely, poor dietary habits increase susceptibility to

malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition and overnutrition, with consequences for immunity,

productivity, and quality of life (Berthoud, 2017).

Globally, there is growing concern over unhealthy eating habits among young adults, especially university

students. This group often faces nutritional challenges due to lifestyle changes, time constraints, peer

influence, and limited financial resources. Research across developing countries, including Nigeria, indicates

that undergraduates frequently skip meals, consume energy-dense processed foods, and neglect fruits and

vegetables, reflecting a shift from traditional, nutrient-dense diets to Westernized dietary patterns (Ochola &

Masibo, 2014). This type of practise subjects students to the double burden of malnutrition, in which

first time. Unhealthy eating during this age may affect future life, as it may not only lead to slower physical

and cognitive growth but also to the risk of developing diet-related diseases later on (Olatona et al., 2023).

In Nigeria, the current trends on the dietary and nutritional status of university students are found to be rather

limited, especially in the private ones. Creating context-based knowledge on student eating patterns and their

health effects is crucial to creating useful nutrition intervention strategies and institute-level policies.

Avoidable dieting habits in the undergraduates can impair the immunity, increase the vulnerability to illnesses

and diminish mental and bodily performance. The unhealthy diets are attributed to nutritional deficiency

disorders like anaemia, scurvy, and night blindness and overindulgence diseases like obesity, diabetes,

cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Such health risks are enhanced by lifestyle disorders like

Assess the dietary patterns of undergraduate students.

Evaluate their dietary diversity.

Determine the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among the students.

Identify factors influencing dietary patterns and dietary diversity.

Examine the association between dietary behaviour and nutritional status.

The descriptive repeated cross-sectional survey research design was used for this study. This design was

considered appropriate because it enables the collection of information from a representative sample of

respondents at two different point in time during the semester (at the beginning and at the end of the semester).

Law, Education, Basic Medical Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Arts, and Clinical Sciences. The diverse

student population, drawn from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds across Nigeria, makes the

University a suitable study area.

The population of the study consisted of all undergraduate students enrolled in Bingham University, Karu,

Nasarawa State. At the time of the study, the undergraduate population was approximately 7000 undergraduate

students. This group was considered appropriate for the study because undergraduates are nutritionally

vulnerable due to changes in lifestyle and food choices.

The sample size of the study was three hundred and forty-eight (348). This figure was determined using

Cochran’s formula for sample size calculation in cross-sectional studies and adjusted to account for attrition

and non-response. Multi-stage sampling was employed for this study. In the first stage, eight faculties were

level of study, parental background, and pocket money. Section B focused on anthropometric measurements

including weight, height, and waist–hip circumference. Section C covered biochemical parameters such as

haemoglobin levels and fasting blood sugar. Section D was a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed to

collect information on the frequency of consumption of commonly available foods. Section E was a dietary

diversity questionnaire (DDQ) adapted from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines to

generate individual dietary diversity scores.

To minimize recall bias, dietary questions were restricted to a 7-day reference period rather than relying on

“usual intake.” In addition, a 24-hour dietary recall was administered to cross-validate responses obtained from

the FFQ.

and two other experts in the Department of Biochemistry, Bingham University. Their observations,

main study.

Data were collected in two phases at the beginning of the semester (baseline) and at the end of the semester

(endline) using different set of respondents. The researcher, with the assistance of trained aides, administered

the questionnaires to respondents and took anthropometric and biochemical measurements using standardized

procedures. The questionnaires were retrieved immediately after completion to minimize loss.

The data collected were coded, entered, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, and percentages were used to summarize socio-demographic

Table 1: Feeding and Snacking Patterns of Respondents

Once

Table 2: Dietary Diversity Score of Respondents

Source: Authors Plot

Economic constraints (food expenditure) and behavioural factors (dietary habits, peer influence, academic

stress) were identified as major determinants of dietary behaviour and nutritional outcomes. Limited

allowances and preference for convenience foods particularly contributed to low dietary diversity and irregular

eating patterns.

Table 4: Regression Models of Key Predictors of Nutritional Status

Research question two revealed that snacking was highly prevalent among the respondents, with most of them

consuming snacks in between meals to cope with academic stress and daily energy needs. The common snacks

Research question three revealed that dietary diversity among respondents was generally moderate, with a

significant proportion falling into the low diversity category. The dietary pattern was dominated by cereals and

insufficient intake of nutrient-rich foods (Afolabi et al., 2019). The decline in dietary diversity at the end line

students’ access to balanced meals. This supports Spear (2016), who emphasized that socioeconomic

also noted by Berg et al. (2013).

Other associated factors identified in this study include limited availability of healthy foods, academic stress,

peer group influence, family background, and exposure to social media. These factors negatively affect food

choices and dietary patterns among undergraduates. Neumark-Sztainer, Story, and Blum (2016) emphasized

that psychosocial influences such as body image, weight dissatisfaction, and peer pressure play major roles in

patterns, with females consuming more fruits and vegetables than males, but also being more prone to

restrictive eating practices.

The study revealed that a large proportion of the undergraduates maintained normal nutritional status; however,

Based on the findings made and the conclusion drawn, the following recommendations were made: Strengthen

campus food policies: The university should establish clear nutrition-focused policies that regulate the types of

foods sold within the campus environment, discourage the dominance of energy-dense snacks, and ensure that

cafeterias and vendors consistently provide affordable, nutrient-rich meals.

Forge strategic partnerships with food vendors: Collaboration between the university and on-campus food

vendors is essential to guarantee a steady supply of diverse and healthy food options, including fruits,

vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products, at student-friendly prices.

Integrate digital nutrition tools: The adoption of mobile applications or digital diet-tracking platforms should