Social and psychological factors affecting eating habits of students in Uganda. (Case study of Hoima District)

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation was to study the social and psychological factors affecting eating habits of students in Uganda with a case study of Hoima district. Its specific objectives were to assess the eating habits of students in schools, to determine the association between knowledge about food and students’ eating habits and whether students take meals in the recommended time intervals. This was because eating habits are a key aspect in the livelihood and the performance of adolescents who make up the highest percentage of students and yet many people are negligent about it. More so eating habits are a major public health concern among young adults who experience a transition into another life since it’s the stage when the healthy foods are not deemed cool to eat. During this study primary data was collected through the use of questionnaires which were taken to selected schools in the four divisions of Hoima District. The researcher used Cochran’s formula in getting the sample size of the respondents who voluntarily gave responses to the questions. The study showed that majority of the respondents had at least three meals a day and on time. The researcher also found out that sex of students had an insignificant relationship with eating habits because it is pre-scheduled by the school administration. In general most of the students in this study had healthy eating habits except that most of them had little knowledge about food, fruit consumption and some skipped meals due to various reasons. Therefore nutritional education in schools should be encouraged so as to promote healthier eating habits and lifestyles as well as adherence to traditional food amongst students. Lastly parents and school administration should provide students with a balanced diet accompanied with fruit consumption, enough water intake, vegetables and roughages. More so students should be enlightened about the importance of practicing healthy eating habits.