Health Awareness and Socioeconomic Determinants of Food Consumption Among University Students: A Case Study of Lagos State University

Abstract

Healthy dietary behaviour among university students is increasingly recognized as a public health concern, particularly in developing countries where socioeconomic constraints influence food choices. Although students often demonstrate adequate awareness of healthy eating, existing studies suggest a persistent gap between nutritional knowledge and actual dietary practices. However, limited empirical evidence explains how health awareness interacts with socioeconomic conditions to shape food consumption among Nigerian university students. This study examines the relationship between health awareness and socioeconomic determinants of food consumption among undergraduate students at Lagos State University (LASU). Guided by the Health Belief Model, a descriptive survey design was adopted, using primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 102 students across five faculties. The findings indicate that health awareness among students is relatively high, with 83.3% acknowledging the importance of good nutrition. Despite this awareness, a pronounced knowledge–behaviour gap persists. About 68.6% of respondents reported skipping meals due to financial and environmental constraints. Socioeconomic analysis shows that 52.9% of students subsist on monthly allowances between ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, mainly sourced from parents, limiting consistent access to nutritious foods. Students from lower-income backgrounds were more vulnerable to food insecurity, frequent fast-food consumption, and low fruit and vegetable intake. The study concludes that health awareness alone is insufficient to promote healthy dietary behaviour without addressing underlying socioeconomic and environmental barriers. It recommends integrated interventions combining nutrition education with policies that improve affordability and access to healthy food within university environments.