Dietary behaviour and knowledge on eating disorders among university students in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Unhealthy dietary habits pose enormous health risks to adolescents and young adults and these are on the rise with the concurrent increase of eating disorders. While eating disorders are of growing public health concern in Uganda, the dietary habits of university students as well as their knowledge of eating disorders is not very well understood. Therefore, this study will assess the dietary habits of university students, and their knowledge on eating disorders. Understanding the dietary habits and knowledge on eating disorders among university students in Uganda will help create opportunities to bring more awareness on eating disorders. This study assessed the dietary behaviour exhibited among university in Kampala, Uganda, while also assessing the existing knowledge these students had on eating disorders. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study where data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 181 respondents, and qualitative data from 15 key respondents using key informant interview guides. Approximately 59.67% (108/181) of the respondents exhibited consistent dietary behaviour. Nearly half [51.38% (93/181)] of the respondents preferred to eat junk food rather than healthy options or a combination of both healthy and junk food. The students’ financial status and convenience were identified as key factors influencing their dietary habits. More than half, 79.56% (144/181) of the respondents said they had heard of eating disorders, and 58.01% (105/181) defined eating disorders as diet related conditions rather than mental or both dietary and mental conditions. About 39.78% (72/181) knew at least 2 eating disorders, anorexia nervosa being the most commonly suggested. There was some knowledge on eating disorders among the university students, but the dietary behaviour they exhibited was fairly unhealthy, characterised by strong preference for junk foods.