Impacts of Petroleum Subsidy Removal on Dietary Choices and Nutritional Status of Students of Federal Polytechnic Ede

Abstract

This study investigates the ramifications of removing petroleum subsidies on students' dietary behaviors
and nutritional well-being. School of Applied Sciences Department of Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State.
Its objectives encompass assessing the impact of subsidy elimination on transportation costs, scrutinizing
shifts in food consumption patterns in response to increases in price fluctuations, evaluating students'
nutritional status pre- and post-subsidy removal, and identifying factors influencing dietary choices and
food security within this context. Data from 200 respondents were collected through meticulously crafted
self-administered questionnaires. The analysis involved descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis. The
findings divulge significant insights. Notably, a considerable portion of respondents (33.7%) fell within
the 21-26 age bracket, with a majority (73.2%) residing off-campus. A substantial segment (33.2%) spent
less than N500 daily on food. Over half of the respondents (50.7%) were malnourished, as evidenced by a
BMI below 18. However, a sizable proportion (34.6%) maintained a normal BMI (18-24.5), while smaller
percentages were categorized as overnourished (7.3%) or obese (4.9%). Therefore, this study provides
compelling evidence of the profound effects of petroleum subsidy removal on students' food habits and
nutritional status. It emphasizes the imperative of proactive measures, such as nutritional education
programs, to address the challenges and promote dietary health and well-being in educational settings.