INFLUENCE OF NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE ON THE EATING HABIT OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the influence of nutrition knowledge on eating habit of undergraduate students in public university in Edo state. Three(3) research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study consisted of seventy seven thousand plus one(77,000+1) correspondents. The sample of the study was made up of one hundred (100) students in University of Benin The research instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled “The Influence of nutrition Knowledge on the Eating Habits of Undergraduate Students Questionnaire (IKEHUSQ). The instrument for data collection was subjected to face validity by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. To establish the reliability of the instrument, the internal consistency of the items were Measured using the Cronbach alpha statistical tool. It yielded an alpha value of 0.88. The study used statistical analysis methods including mean, standard deviation, two sample independent t-tests to investigate the Influence of nutrition knowledge on eating habit of undergraduate students in public university in Edo State. To further enhance the influence of nutrition knowledge on eating habit of undergraduate students in public university in Edo State, it is recommended that management of the level of nutrition knowledge among public university students in Edo State is high, the management can help by providing access to nutritious food options on campus and also encourage research and projects related to nutrition and public health.Federal and State governments should endeavour to pay special attention to providing education on the benefits of consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal health and immune function, educating students on the potential negative effects of excessive caffeine consumption and promoting moderation and also support initiatives that promote balanced diets, including adequate intake of grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.Managementt of the colleges of education should create enabling environment that encourage open dialogue and awareness about the importance of healthy eating habits for both males and females students and also implement policies that promote equitable access to nutritious food options on campus.