Abstract:
Many lifestyle habits are formed in College and may persist into adulthood, thereby
impacting on the health of students. Several studies have reported unhealthy
dietary practices with high consumption of fast foods having high contents of fat,
salt and simple sugars among college students. This study investigated factors
affecting food intake in male college students at Kenyatta University, Kenya. The
aim of the study was to determine socio-demographic and economic characteristics
of the students as well as factors affecting food intake including cost of food, time,
residence on campus and peer influence. The study employed a case study design.
Study participants included male students, aged 19-25 years. Study instruments
included questionnaire and interview. Results showed that cost of food and
preparation time were the main factors affecting food intake. Students reported
to frequently consume high amounts of refined carbohydrates for satiety and low
amounts of fruits and vegetables which are more expensive. The most frequently
consumed foods reported to be consumed every day were carbohydrates. Only
33.3% of students reported taking fruits every day while 53.3 % reported consuming
vegetables daily. Skipping of meals was also reported and could be associated with
factors such as residing off-campus and food preparation time constraints. It is
recommended that Universities come up with measures to curb unhealthy eating
habits on campus by availing more balance foods on campus cafeteria.
