Factors Influencing Dietary Patterns and Gender Variation in Chronic Disease Prevention among Higher Institution Students in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District

This study investigated the factors influencing dietary patterns and gender variation in chronic disease prevention among higher institution students in Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Two specific objectives guided the study: to determine the factors influencing dietary patterns of students of higher institutions in relation to chronic disease prevention, and to ascertain dietary patterns of higher institution students by gender in relation to chronic disease prevention. The total population used for the study was all higher institution students currently attending school in the Senatorial District, a sample size of 600 respondents were drawn for the study using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. A researcher-developed questionnaire titled “Dietary Patterns and Chronic Diseases Prevention Questionnaire (DPCDPQ)” was used for data collection. Of the 600 questionnaire forms administered, 594 were correctly filled and returned. Simple Linear Regression was used to answer the research questions and Simple Linear Regression and one t-test were used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The study concluded that dietary patterns play a major role in chronic disease prevention among students, and that influencing factors such as lifestyle, accessibility, cost, and knowledge significantly affect food choices. One of the reccommendation made was that higher institutions should implement compulsory nutrition awareness programs to educate students on healthy dietary patterns and the risks of chronic diseases.