Factors influencing eating behaviours among undergraduate students pursuing health sciences at Makerere University.

Abstract

Introduction Data on eating habits of students pursuing health sciences is scarce. This study assessed the prevalence of unhealthy eating behaviours and identified its associated factors among students pursuing health sciences enrolled at Makerere university. Methodology A cross sectional study was undertaken for a period from January to February 2024 in Makerere University. A sample of 385 students were requested to fill out a questionnaire. SPSS V.20 was used to analyse the data. Results More than half of the participants had less than 3 meals 62.08% in a day. Half of the respondents had daily breakfast 50.39% with (75.32%) of the respondents having less than 2 litres of water each day. Minority of the participants ate fruits or vegetables daily 10.39% and 8.05% respectively. More than 80% of the participants considered the health content of the food, affordability and convenience as important when making food choices. The factors associated with poor eating behaviours among the participants were gender, area of residence, living arrangements. Males had higher total mean score of poor eating behaviours than females (8.56, 8.06 p=0.000). Participants who lived at home had lower mean score than those who lived in hall/hostel/rental (6.76, 8.66 p=0.000). Participants living alone had higher mean scores than those that lived with someone (8.71, 8.23 p=0.022). Conclusion Majority of the students pursuing health sciences at Makerere University had unhealthy eating behaviours. Health science students are advised to adopt healthy eating behaviours and encourage their peers to do so. They are the future role models within their communities and should be more vigilant about their eating behaviours.