Eating habits, nutritional knowledge and weight status of undergraduates In Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Unhealthy eating habit is a serious public health issue among young adults who experience transition into university life. This habit is linked to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases globally.Objective: This study provided information about the eating habits, nutritional knowledge and weight status among undergraduate students in a Nigerian university.Methods: A sample size of 386 undergraduates was selected through a multistage sampling technique from science and non-science-based faculties of the university. A self-administered questionnaire which had four sections was used to elicit information. Nutritional knowledge was assessed with 17 questions and 52 questions for eating habit of the respondents. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and used to classify weight status of the respondents.Results: Majority (66.8%) were science-based with the mean age of 21.9±2.78 years. Most respondents were females (60.4%) and singles (98.2%). Sixty-four per cent (64%) had good knowledge of healthy eating.Mostof the sciencebased students showed good eating habit as evidenced in their positive attitude (69% vs. 50%; p = 0.0001; AOR 1.933; CI 1.216-3.071) and good practices (68.2% vs. 31.2%; p = 0.0001; AOR 4.438; CI 2.797-7.041). Science students had two times better attitude and four times better practice compared to their non-science counterparts. Overweight was more common among non-science-based students while underweight was common among science-based students.Conclusion: It is necessary that awareness of healthy eating be created among the undergraduates with the integration of nutrition course as compulsory elective especially for non-science-based disciplines.Keywords: Eating habit, knowledge, weight statu

Awareness, use and choice of emergency contraceptive among women in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Immediate access to emergency contraceptives (EC) averts unintended pregnancy following unprotected sex or sexual assault due to ineffective prior contraceptive coverage. This study assessed the awareness, use and choice of EC among females of reproductive age (15-49) resident in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.Methods: The study was a community-based cross-sectional study. 400 consenting respondents completed a questionnaire on factors affecting awareness and use of EC. Data analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results: Mean age (SD) of the respondents was 25.5±5.5 years ranging from 18 to 48 years. Majority of the respondents were single (72.2%) and had secondary education (68.5%). Twenty-one percent had previous unintended pregnancy with 14% having had induced abortion. Majority (51%) were aware of EC with friends (72.1%) and primary care workers (38.7%) as their commonest sources of information. Most (69%) were sexually active with the commonest previous EC use as Postinor (85.8%) and IUCD (14.2%). Major reason for EC use was pregnancy prevention (85.8%) while for non-use was fear of side effects (45.5%). Young age (OR=4.26, CI: 1.46-12.50, p=0.008), higher education (OR=3.77, CI=1.04-13.70, p=0.043) and awareness of EC (OR=10.86, CI: 5.54-21.28, p=0.001) were significant determinants of EC use.Conclusions: Many sexually active women were not aware of EC. Contraceptive education will improve EC awareness.Keywords: Emergency contraceptives, women, primary health workers, friend