Assessing the diet quality and body mass index of young adults in public tertiary institutions in Abeokuta, Nigeria

This study assessed the diet quality and body mass index of young adults in public tertiary institutions in Abeokuta, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 325 respondents was conducted using a three-stage sampling technique across the three tertiary institutions. Diet quality was evaluated using the Global Diet Quality Questionnaire. A 24-h dietary recall was conducted and nutrient intake was evaluated. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height and waist circumference) were taken to determine pattern of malnutrition. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, t-tests and logistic regression. The population was predominantly aged ≤ 25 years. Diet quality was suboptimal; the median Food Group Diversity Score (FGDS) was 4.00/10, with only 31.8% ate at least five food groups, however, none of the respondents consumed All-5 recommended food groups. There was zero consumption of citrus, other fruits, yogurt, however 7.6% consumed vitamin A-rich fruit. Conversely, 23.3% consumed ultra-processed salty snacks and 15.4% deep-fried foods. Males had similar but significant ( p = 0.029 and p = 0.040) FGDS (4.00) and Global Dietary Recommendation (GDR) (10.00) than females (4.24 and 10.07, respectively). All respondents had inadequate vitamin C intake, more than half had inadequate intakes of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B. Underweight, overweight, and obesity prevalence were 14.8%, 16.3%, and 4.0%, respectively, about 17.20% and 8.30% were at increased risk and substantially increased risk of disease. Diet quality did not vary significantly ( p > 0.05) by institution, age, and income. However, males had 2.443 times the odd of overweight or obesity compared to females (COR = 2.443, 95% CI [1.216 – 4.906], p = 0.012) in the unadjusted model and 2.908 times the odd of overweight or obesity in the adjusted model (​AOR = 2.908, 95% CI [1.427 – 5.927], p = 0.003). When stratified by gender, FGDS (OR = 2.927; 95% CI: 1.277 – 6.707; p = 0.011), G​DR (OR = 1.551; 95% CI: 1.010 – 2.380; p = 0.045),​ and NCD-Protect (AOR = 2.188; 95% CI: 1.117 – 4.288; p = 0.023) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of being overweight among males than females. Students in this study exhibit suboptimal diet quality and a significant multiple burden of malnutrition. These findings suggest that diet quality varied little across socioeconomic and demographic subgroups, highlighting need for campus-based interventions to improve the financial access to nutritious foods.