Knowledge and Attitude Towards Dietary Risk Factors and Prevalence of Obesity Among Newly Admitted Undergraduates of Osun State University, Nigeria

Abstract

The epidemic of overweight and obesity poses a global challenge to chronic disease prevention, driven by increased consumption of energy-dense, fatty foods and a rise in physical inactivity due to sedentary lifestyles. Westernisation, urbanisation, and eroding traditional values contribute to this issue, leading to childhood obesity persisting into adulthood and triggering various diseases. Middle and low-income countries face a double disease burden, grappling with infectious and non-communicable diseases due to escalating obesity rates. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards dietary risk factors and the prevalence of obesity among newly admitted undergraduates at Osun State University, Nigeria. The findings revealed a relatively low prevalence of obesity (4.7%) among the studied population, with encouraging knowledge about obesity among the students. Socio-demographic factors such as family standard of living and parents' were found to influence obesity among undergraduates. However, limited community exercise facilities, poverty, and poor nutritional education contribute to poor dietary habits. Further efforts are needed to address obesity in this population and its potential impact on health and the economy. Stakeholders should support childhood obesity prevention interventions, including marketing and advertising restrictions on unhealthy foods and beverages adolescents consume.The research employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design, sampling 320 participants from three university campuses through a multistage sampling method. Data collection was facilitated through a semi-structured questionnaire administered to themselves. The data was analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate approaches.The 320 respondents were 47.8% male and 52.2% female; a more significant percentage were 15-19 years old. 8 out of 10 respondents had good knowledge, and the attitude of the respondents was significantly associated with their age and religion, such that the respondents between 15-19 years of age and the Muslims were more likely to have good knowledge than their counterparts.Family standard of living (father and mother occupational status) was the socio-demographic factor influencing obesity among Osun State University undergraduate students. Adequate intervention is required to enable adolescents and their parents/guardians to understand the health-related problems they are prone to by being obese. Concerned stakeholders should support childhood obesity prevention interventions such as marketing and advertising restrictions on unhealthy foods and fizzy drinks adolescents consume.