Street food consumption score and nutritional status of staff of federal university of agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state

Abstract

Background: Street food consumption contributes enormously to dietary diversity and nutrient intake of consumers. Despite its nutritional benefits, street food consumption may predispose consumers to several adverse health outcomes.
Objective: This study assessed street food consumption score and nutritional status of staff of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey of 350 staff of FUNAAB was conducted using a multi-stage sampling. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the socio-economic status of respondents. Food consumption score (FCS) and pattern were assessed using a FCS nutritional quality analysis and food frequency questionnaire respectively. Height and weight of the respondents were measured using heightometer and bathroom scale, respectively and the values used to calculate their body mass index (BMI). Blood pressure (BP) and blood sugar (BS) levels were determined using a mercury sphygmomanometer and glucometer, respectively. Data were analysed for descriptive and inferential statistics using statistical package for social science, version 20.
Results: Half (50.3%) of the respondents were females and consumed street foods more than three times a week. Most (70.3%) of the respondents had poor FCS. About two-third (37.6%) of the respondents were overweight. More than half (66.2% and 54.9%) had pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes, respectively. FCS significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the BMI of respondents (p = 0.03). However, there is no significant association between FCS, BS level (p = 0.05), and BP of the respondents (p = 0.14)
Conclusion: Street food consumption score influenced the BMI of the respondents. The prevalence of prehypertension and pre-diabetes were high among the respondents

Keywords: Street food, consumption score, nutritional status, university staff