THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN THE WELL-BEING OF UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA.

THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN THE WELL-BEING OF UNDERGRADUATES IN NIGERIA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page………………………………….……………………….                  i

Approval page……………………………..………………………                   ii

Dedication………………………..……………………………….                    iii

Acknowledgement…………….…………………………………..                   iv

Table of Contents……………...………………………………….                    vi

Abstract………………………..………………………………….                    ix

CHAPTER ONE:  INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study…………………………………….                1

1.2       Statement of Problem………………………………………                   4

1.3       Research Questions…………………………………………..               5

1.4       Purpose of the Study…………………………………………                6

1.5       Significance of the Study…………………………………..                   7

1.6       Scope of Study……………………………………………..                   7

1.7       Limitations……………………………………………….                      7

1.8       Definitions of Terms…………………………………………                8

CHAPTER TWO:  LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0       Introduction………………………………………………….                10

2.1       Definition of Nutrition………………………………………..               11

2.2       Food and its Classification…………………………………….             15

2.3       Balanced Diet…………………………………………….                      32

2.4       Roles of Good Nutrition on One’s Well-being……………..                 35

2.5       Factors Affecting Food Selection/Habits…………………………       37

2.6       Problems Associated with Food among Undergraduates…………      41

2.7       Healthy Eating…………………………………………………             45

2.8       Summary………………………………………………………              50

CHAPTER THREE:          METHODOLOGY

3.1       Research Design…………………………………………….                 52

3.2       Population of the Study……………………………………..                 52

3.3       Sample and Sampling Technique……………………………                52

3.4       Description of Instrument………………………………..                      53

3.5       Validity of Instrument…………………………………                          53

3.6       Reliability of Instrument………………………………                          53

3.7       Administration of Instrument…………………………..                         54

3.8       Method of Data Analysis……………………………………                 54

CHAPTER FOUR:                         PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1       Demographic Characteristics of Respondents………………………   55       

4.2       Eating Habits of Undergraduates…………………………..                  57

4.3       Summary of Findings…………………………………………              74

CHAPTER FIVE:  CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1       Discussion of the Findings………………………………………..        76

5.2       Recommendations……………………………………………..             77

5.3       Conclusion…………………………………………………….              79

References………………………………………………………..                     80

Appendix…………………………………………………………                     82

ABSTRACT

This project investigated the role of nutrition in the well-being of undergraduates using the University of Benin undergraduates as a case study. A descriptive survey research design was used to obtain data. The instrument used was the questionnaire. Fifty questionnaires were administered and all were retrieved.

            The study aimed at investigating:

·        The role nutrition plays in the well-being of undergraduates.

·        The nutritional problems that are most common among undergraduates.

·        The factors that affect the nutritional level of undergraduates.

·        The constituents of an undergraduate’s diet.

·        Suggestions provided for undergraduates to eat healthy for optimal well-being.

Analysis and interpretation of data revealed that lack of nutritional knowledge among undergraduates has led to some nutritional problems which are prevalent among them; they are swollen gums, weak eyesight and indigestion. These nutritional problems have adverse effects on their performance at school, bodily functions, emotional health and self esteem. Some factors like income/monthly allowance, religion, culture, one’s dwelling place and one’s level of nutritional knowledge were identified to have contributed to inadequate nutrition.

The researcher therefore recommends that nutrition be taught in schools from nursery through tertiary institutions, that seminars be organized by tertiary institutions on the importance of good nutrition and parents and guardians should work hard to provide sufficient funds for their children and wards to feed adequately.