Assessment of Consumption Pattern of Snacks among Students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated snacks consumption pattern among the students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the students' frequency of consumption of snacks, assessed factors influencing the students' snacks consumption and examined the perception of the students on health implications of snacks consumption. Through a multistage random sampling technique, a total of 394 students of the university were sampled and data obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used in analyzing the study data. The descriptive tools used include the frequency distribution tables and percentages. The inferential statistical tool used was the multiple regression model. Results revealed that majority of the residents were females (56.4%), younger than 25 years (50.5%), single (96.0%), practiced Christianity (75.2%), in their 100 level year, predominantly Yorubas from the western part of Nigeria and received stipend/allowance between N5,000 – <N10,000 as pocket money. Findings revealed that the students consumed snacks occasionally during breakfast and dinner, busy lecture schedule was the major factor influencing the students' snacks consumption followed by bandwagon effect to emulate their colleagues. The students' perception on health implication of snacks showed that they were largely uninformed about negative effect of too much snacks' consumption. It is recommended that there should be re-orientation for the students on health implication of unwholesome consumption of snacks and that the students should avoid unnecessary compliance with the vibe in the students' society but make informed decision on snacks consumption based on their peculiar nutrients need.