Physical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Relation to Weight Status among University Students in Nairobi County, Kenya

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorMwangi, James
dc.contributor.authorNjogu, Eunice
dc.contributor.authorKiplamai, Festus
dc.date.accessioned2021-06-03T12:21:03Z
dc.date.available2021-06-03T12:21:03Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.descriptionAn Article Published in International Journal of Health Sciences and Researchen_US
dc.description.abstractIntroduction: University years is a time when young people live on their own or reside far from home leading to decreased physical activity participation and poor dietary patterns leading to development of overweight and obesity which are risk factors for chronic illnesses. Poor health habits persist beyond the university years. This study examined the physical activity and dietary patterns of university students in Nairobi County and compared to their weight status. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional analytical design with a sample of 260 undergraduate students randomly selected from two private and two public universities. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information from students. Students’ weight and height measurements were also obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The study results showed that 53.5% of the students met the recommended levels of moderate physical activity and 18.8% of the students met the recommended levels of vigorous physical activity. Majority of the students consumed fast foods sweetened beverages and pastries most times in a week. The study also showed that 31.2% of the students were overweight and 6.2% were obese. Conclusion: The study reveals that most students did not achieve the recommended levels of vigorous physical activity and showed some poor dietary patterns. Findings show clear evidence of high prevalence of overweight among university students but focus should be on fitness rather than fatness. Efforts should be made to promote physical activity participation and good dietary practices within university environments.en_US
dc.identifier.issn2249-9571
dc.identifier.urihttp://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/22267
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherInternational Journal of Health Sciences and Researchen_US
dc.subjectPhysical activityen_US
dc.subjectDietary patternsen_US
dc.subjectOverweighten_US
dc.subjectObeseen_US
dc.subjectChronic diseasesen_US
dc.titlePhysical Activity and Dietary Patterns in Relation to Weight Status among University Students in Nairobi County, Kenyaen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
Physical Activity and Dietary....pdf
Size:
629.19 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Description:
Full Text Article
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download
Collections
RP-Department of Foods, Nutrition & Dietetics