Food Choices and Factors Influencing Dietary Behavior among Students of University of Abuja, Nigeria

This study examined the food choices and factors influencing dietary behaviour among students at the University of Abuja, Nigeria. University students often experience increased autonomy in food decisions while economic constraints, campus food environments and lifestyle pressures may shape their dietary patterns. The study aimed to describe students’ socioeconomic characteristics, identify their common food choices and examine the factors influencing their food selection behaviour. A snowball sampling technique was employed to recruit 71 students across different faculties of the university. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Likert-scale analysis. The results show that the majority of respondents were between 23 and 26 years of age, with a relatively balanced gender distribution. Most students relied on their parents or guardians as their primary source of income, while a large proportion lived off campus. The average monthly allowance was approximately ?38,593.98. The majority of students chose food prepared at home or in the hostel while a few chose fast food, street food and processed food. The students' favourite foods were rice, bread, snacks and cereals. The students showed low intake of fruits, vegetables and protein. Several factors influenced the students' food habits. The factors were hygiene, safety, cost, personal income levels, taste and availability. Convenience, time and cultural factors also influenced students’ food habits. This study indicates that economic factors have a major impact on university students’ food habits and thus recommends awareness campaigns to help them adopt a more balanced diet.