Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Boarding Secondary School Students in Kwara State

This study examines dietary habits and their relationship with the nutritional status of boarding secondary school students in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. Boarding school environments place significant responsibilities on school management to ensure nutritionally adequate meals, yet studies suggest that many Nigerian boarding schools fail to meet recommended dietary standards. Using a descriptive survey design, the study targets 240 boarding students in four government-owned secondary schools in Ilorin West and Offa local government areas. Data were collected using a dietary frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and a structured interview schedule. Objectives include assessing the dietary patterns of boarding students, determining their nutritional status using body mass index and mid-upper arm circumference, and identifying management factors influencing meal quality. Recent literature points to widespread micronutrient deficiencies among Nigerian boarding school students attributable to monotonous meal planning and inadequate food budgets. Data were analysed using mean scores, frequency tables, and Pearson correlation. The Ecological Model of Health guides the study by situating individual dietary behaviour within institutional and environmental contexts. Findings are anticipated to reveal significant associations between school food management practices and students' nutritional outcomes. Recommendations address the Kwara State Ministry of Education and school management committees regarding school feeding standards and nutritionist deployment. Keywords: dietary habits, nutritional status, boarding school, secondary school students, Kwara State.