DETERMINANTS OF DIETARY PRACTICES AMONG MALE UNIVERSITY STAFF IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the determinants of dietary practices among male university staff in Plateau State, Nigeria. The increasing burden of nutrition-related diseases among working adults has heightened the need to understand the factors that influence dietary behaviour. The study examined the influence of occupational, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and environmental factors on dietary practices among male university staff. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised male academic and non-academic staff in selected universities in Plateau State. A sample of 350 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured instrument titled Determinants of Dietary Practices Questionnaire (DDPQ). The instrument was validated by experts and yielded a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analysed using mean scores, standard deviations, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that occupational factors, socioeconomic conditions, lifestyle characteristics, and environmental factors significantly influence dietary practices among male university staff. The study concluded that dietary behaviour among university staff is shaped by multiple interrelated factors operating at individual, organizational, and environmental levels. It was recommended that universities strengthen workplace nutrition education, improve access to healthy food options, and implement staff wellness programmes that promote healthy lifestyles.