ABSTRACT
This study determined the influence of eating pattern on academic performance of home economics undergraduate students in University of Benin, Edo State. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey of a correlational type. The population of the study consisted of all the 112-home economics undergraduate students from 100l-400l of University of Benin, Edo State. The sample size of this study was 56 home economics undergraduate students in University of Benin, Edo State. The proportionate sampling technique of 50% was used to arrive at the sample size of the study. The research instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled “Influence of Eating Pattern on Academic Performance of Home Economics Undergraduate Students Questionnaire” (IEPAPHEUSQ). The questionnaire consisted of two sections, section A and B. Section A was used to collect information relating to the demographic variables of the respondents such as gender, class level and age while Section B comprised of 20 items which were raised from the research questions.
The instrument for data collection was subjected to face validity by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. Findings Indicated that there is significant relationship between eating pattern and academic performance. Recommendations included Implementing comprehensive nutritional education programs tailored specifically for Home Economics students to promote healthy eating habits and optimize academic performance, Developing targeted interventions to address socio-economic disparities among Home Economics undergraduate students, Implementing targeted interventions aimed at improving the eating patterns of Home-Economics undergraduate students. These interventions could include providing nutrition education workshops, offering healthy eating resources and guidelines, and creating campus initiatives to promote balanced nutrition, Tailoring nutritional education programs specifically to address the unique dietary needs and preferences of male and female Home Economics undergraduate students, ensuring that interventions take into account gender differences in eating patterns to promote optimal health and academic performance for all students, Implementing family-oriented nutritional education programs that actively involve parents in promoting healthy eating habits and creating a supportive home environment for Home Economics undergraduate students. Based on the finding of this study, it was concluded that there is significant relationship between eating pattern and academic performance of Home Economics Undergraduate Students in University of Benin, Edo State.
