Background of the Study
Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, requiring adequate nutrition to support cognitive function, immunity, and overall well-being. Boarding school students rely on institutional feeding programs, making their nutritional status highly dependent on the quality and quantity of food provided. In Nigeria, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of meals served in boarding schools, with reports of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and poor dietary diversity.
In Plateau State, the dietary intake of boarding school students may be influenced by several factors, including food availability, meal frequency, and adherence to nutritional guidelines. Poor feeding practices can lead to undernutrition, affecting students’ physical health and academic performance. Additionally, issues such as food insecurity, poor sanitation, and lack of dietary education further complicate students’ nutritional well-being. This study evaluates the nutritional status of boarding school students in Plateau State to determine the adequacy of their diet and its impact on their health and academic outcomes.
Statement of the Problem
Boarding schools are responsible for meeting the nutritional needs of students, yet many institutions struggle to provide balanced meals. Reports of food shortages, poor-quality meals, and limited dietary variety raise concerns about malnutrition among students. Malnourished students are more prone to illnesses, fatigue, and cognitive impairments, which may hinder their academic success. However, there is limited research assessing the nutritional status of boarding school students in Plateau State. This study seeks to bridge this gap by evaluating students’ dietary intake, identifying deficiencies, and recommending strategies for improvement.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the dietary intake and nutritional status of boarding school students in Plateau State.
To examine the impact of boarding school meals on students’ health and academic performance.
To identify challenges affecting proper nutrition in boarding schools and suggest improvements.
Research Questions
What is the nutritional status of boarding school students in Plateau State?
How does institutional feeding affect students’ health and academic performance?
What are the major challenges affecting nutrition in boarding schools, and how can they be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
Boarding school students have inadequate dietary intake, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Poor nutrition negatively impacts students’ health and academic performance.
Improved meal planning and dietary education can enhance students’ nutritional status.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on boarding school students in Plateau State, assessing their nutritional intake and its effects. Limitations include variations in meal quality among different schools and potential underreporting of dietary habits.
Definitions of Terms
Nutritional Status: The condition of an individual’s health as influenced by nutrient intake and utilization.
Boarding School: An institution where students reside and receive education and meals.
Dietary Diversity: The variety of foods consumed over a given period to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
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