PATTERN OF BREAKFAST CONSUMPTION AND ITS PERCEIVED HEALTH BENEFITS AMONG MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it is known to provide energy and nutrient intake. Several studies have shown that breakfast skipping is common among young adults in Colleges and Universities who often pay little attention to breakfast, with some missing breakfast because it takes too much time to prepare. Few studies have documented pattern of breakfast consumption and its perceived health benefits especially in Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the pattern of breakfast consumption and its perceived health benefits among Master of Public Health students in the University of Ibadan. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used a two-stage sampling technique to select 212 Master of Public Health students across seven departments in the Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan. A pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire which contained 8-point knowledge scale, 12-point perception scale, questions relating to factors influencing the pattern of breakfast consumption among students was used for data collection. Knowledge scores 0-4 and >4 were classified as poor and good respectively. Perception scores 0-6 and >6 were also classified as poor and good respectively. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as Chi square and Fisher’s Exact Test at p<0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 30.5±14.8 years with majority (74.5%) within the ages of 20-29 years, 60.8% of the respondents were females, majority (87.3%) were Christians and 75.9% were single. Few (25.5%) of the respondents had breakfast everyday of the week, while about 74.5% of the respondents skipped breakfast or had infrequent breakfast consumption. A greater proportion (77.4%) of respondents had good knowledge of the perceived health benefits of breakfast consumption. More than half (70.3%) of the respondents had good perception of the health benefits of breakfast consumption. Majority (73.1%) reported that their busy schedules (lack of time) prevented them from consuming breakfast. Less than half (43.4%) did not like to eat early. A few (18.9%) skipped breakfast to lose weight. However, 49.5% consumed breakfast to keep them alert, while 31.1% attributed skipping breakfast to waking up late. The respondents’ knowledge and perception of the health benefits of breakfast consumption was high, yet many skipped breakfast or had infrequent breakfast consumption. Lack of time to prepare breakfast due to early morning lectures was a major hindering factor. Programs to promote breakfast consumption should be encouraged and organised by the faculty administration and the suggestion that lectures should start not earlier than 9.00 am is also valid since this will provide adequate time for having a good breakfast in a relaxed environment.