Dietary Practices and Anthropometric Status of the Rural University Students in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Lindelani F. Mushaphi, Khutso Mokoena, Anzani Mugware (), Alphonce Bere and Selekane Ananias Motadi
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Lindelani F. Mushaphi: Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Khutso Mokoena: Department of Public Health, Health Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Anzani Mugware: Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Alphonce Bere: Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Selekane Ananias Motadi: Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag x5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: Obesity among adolescents has increased over the past decades in most parts of the world in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the dietary practices and anthropometric status of the rural university students in Limpopo Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Limpopo Province. A total of 363 students aged 18 to 42 years residing at the university residences were randomly selected. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were conducted by a qualified biokinetist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. More than half (57.3%) of the students were females. About 42.1% reported that they consume fast food once per week. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 21.8% and 7.5%, respectively. A chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between soft drinks, juice, and energised drink consumption frequency and BMI status ( p = 0.006). Results revealed a significant association between the frequency of eating processed food per week and the WHR status ( p = 0.013). Overweight and consuming fast food and sugary drinks are significant concerns amongst rural-based university students. The current study recommends that regular nutrition education campaigns be conducted at the university to encourage students to make healthier eating choices.

Keywords: dietary practices; anthropometric status; obesity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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