Nutrition knowledge and factors associated with anthropometric and haematological indices among female undergraduate students in University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

Poor nutritional status among adolescents and young adults can have serious consequences on their health. This study assessed the nutrition knowledge, anthropometric, haematological indices and associated factors among female undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 500 respondents from four faculties of the University. Nutrition knowledge and food habit of the respondents were obtained using structured and validated questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height), haemoglobin, haematocrit, malaria parasite and blood pressure were obtained. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Data were presented as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Relationships existing among variables at p < 0.05 were determined using Pearson’s correlation. Fair nutrition knowledge existed in 40.0% of the respondents. Anthropometric measurements revealed that 40.0% and 2.0% were overweight and severely obese, respectively. The prevalence of mild anaemia was 25.3% while 64% had for malaria parasite. Systolic and diastolic hypertension existed in 2.7% and 5.3%, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) relationship existed between haemoglobin and monthly allowance; malaria parasite; body mass index (BMI) and nutrition knowledge. Poor nutrition knowledge, obesity, malaria and anaemia existed among the respondents. Nutrition education is required and should be promoted amongst University students. Keywords: Body mass index; food habits; blood pressure; malaria parasite; haemoglobin