Nutrition-related cancer prevention knowledge of undergraduate students of University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the nutrition-related cancer prevention knowledge and dietary pattern of undergraduate students. Design: A cross-sectional study design was employed. Setting: The University of Ibadan campus, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Participants: A systematic random sampling of 367 undergraduate students was done. Method: A pretested self-administered questionnaire assessed the nutrition-related cancer prevention knowledge of the participants based on WCRF/AICR guidelines. A food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate the dietary pattern. Weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, body mass index and waist:hip ratio were measured and computed based on standard procedures. Results: Less than half (49%) had good nutrition-related knowledge of cancer prevention. About 30.0-40.0% frequently consumed legumes/nuts, vegetables and fruits respectively. About 75.0% frequently consumed processed cereals and grains (white rice, white bread and noodles). Above 20.0% were overweight, while 3.8% were obese. Less than 75.0% had low risk of abdominal obesity while 25.5% had high risk of abdominal obesity. Nutrition knowledge of cancer prevention was associated with the frequency of consumption of processed cereals and grains (= 13.724; p=0.000), legumes/nuts (17.268; p=0.000), meat (>= 22.972; p=0.000), fish = 23.017; p = 0.000), pastry snacks (= 36.159; p = 0.000) and sugary drinks (x2= 6.432; p= 0.011). There was no significant difference in knowledge of cancer prevention and the frequency of consumption of roots and tubers, milk, vegetables, and fruits. A higher risk of abdominal obesity was associated with infrequent consumption of legumes/ nuts (x2=7.001, p = 0.008) in the males, and with vegetables (y2= 6.771, p = 0.009) and fruits (x2= 4.205, p = 0.040) intakes in the females. Conclusion: Nutrition-related knowledge of cancer prevention was low, and the respondents also had a poor dietary pattern. The high risk of abdominal obesity may be a pointer to the larger young adult population, emphasising a need for targeted intervention.