Factors Influencing the Adoption of Healthy Eating Habits in Workplace Canteens in Lagos State

This study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of healthy eating habits among employees in workplace canteens in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Workplace environments represent strategic settings for promoting healthy dietary practices, given the substantial portion of employees' daily food intake consumed at work. The study employs a descriptive survey design, targeting 250 employees and canteen managers in ten large organisations in Victoria Island and Ikeja business districts. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Objectives include assessing employees' dietary patterns during work hours, identifying organisational, individual, and environmental factors influencing food choices, and evaluating canteen managers' nutrition knowledge and menu planning practices. Recent literature from Lagos State highlights the dominance of high-fat, high-sodium convenience foods in Nigerian workplace canteen menus, driven by cost considerations and employee taste preferences. Data were analysed using mean scores, factor analysis, and multiple regression. The Theory of Planned Behaviour underpins the study by situating workplace eating within the framework of intentions, social norms, and perceived control. Findings are expected to reveal that canteen menu composition, nutritional labelling, and managerial nutrition literacy are the strongest predictors of employee healthy eating behaviour. Recommendations address corporate health officers, canteen management, and the Lagos State Ministry of Health. Keywords: healthy eating, workplace canteen, food choices, nutrition, Lagos State.