Dietary Intakes, Physical Activity and Nutritional Status of Undergraduate Students at the University of Uyo, Nigeria

Maintaining optimal nutrition and physical activity (PA) are often challenging for university students due to high academic demands and other factors. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Uyo, to assess dietary intakes, PA and nutritional status among 427 undergraduate students. Nutrient intake values, obtained from a multi-pass 24-hr dietary recall assessment were compared with age- and sex-specific Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) values to assess adequacy. Information on weekly PA was collected using the short form of the International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), and analyzed to assess PA levels (PALs) measured in metabolic equivalents (METs). Body mass index (BMI) was determined from weight and height measurements; measurement of waist circumference was also taken. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, and statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Percentage RDA met for energy and nutrients among males and females, respectively ranged as follows: energy (62.6%-63.1% and 76.7%-80.0%), protein (106.0%-94.5% and 103.9%-114.6), carbohydrate (206.2%- 178.9% and 174.7%-183.5%), dietary fibre (49.5%-51.1% and 72.3%-57.9%), vitamin A (42.1%-35.4% and 41.8%, 42.8%), calcium (32.9%-37.1% and 25.7% and 33.1%), and potassium (34.2%-38.4% and 49.7%-46.8%). Low, moderate and high PALs were 39.3%, 57.1% and 3.5%, respectively. Underweight, overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were 1.4%, 33.0%, 25.1%, and 1.9%, respectively. There were significant, but negative correlation between PA scores and BMI (ρ = -0.167, p = 0.001). Excessive intakes of macronutrients alongside inadequate intakes of essential nutrients indicated poor dietary intakes among students. Furthermore, prevalent low PA coexisted with overweight and obesity in the same population. Modification of both physical and structural environments, in combination with peer group-based strategies can serve as effective strategies for promoting adequate dietary intakes and PA among students.