Obesity Knowledge, Perception and Dietary Behaviour among Nigerian Undergraduate Population

Abstract

Background: A steadily increasing trend of obesity among young adults is becoming evident, and this could lead to an increased burden of chronic non-communicable diseases in adulthood. This study assessed the knowledge of undergraduates on obesity and its related conditions, their perception and dietary behaviour. Method: A total of 394 undergraduates of Obafemi Awolowo University were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire which had four sections was used to collect data. Knowledge of obesity, perception and dietary behaviour was assessed with carefully chosen questions. Scores were computed with +1 for a correct response and 0 for an incorrect response. These scores were graded as good/positive or poor/negative using the mean or median score as the cut-offs. Chi-square test was done to assess the relationship between categorical variables. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Majority (64.0%) had poor knowledge of obesity and were mostly males (54.0%), and 58.4% had a positive perception of obesity and were mostly females (62.1%). Also, 57.6% had poor dietary behaviour and were mostly males (58.8%). A statistically significant relationship (X2= 10.546; p=0.001) was found between obesity knowledge and perception. There was no statistically significant relationship between obesity knowledge and dietary behaviour. Conclusion: Most of the undergraduates had poor knowledge of obesity and poor dietary behaviour. Therefore, the creation of healthy eating awareness and integration of nutrition education into all fields of study is vital to stemming the tide of the future obesity epidemic in our campus.