Abstract

Background: Nutrition involves the intake of nutrients that can be metabolized to provide energy and build essential chemical structures.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess youths’ knowledge on their nutritional needs and practice. Specific objectives include to assess youth knowledge nutritional needs, to the determine youth nutritional need , to evaluate youth practice on nutrition at the Molyko community.

Method: a cross- sectional study design was used, the target populations were youths in the Molyko community, a convenient non probability sample techniques with a census approach was employed in the study well-structured questionnaires were used to obtain data. Data were analyzed after data collection using micro soft excel 2016 and data were presented on frequency tables, bar chart and pie chart quantitative variables were expressed as proportion and percentage.

Results: According to the results of the first objective of this study, majority (62%) of the participant had an inadequate knowledge on nutrition with only 42% (42) of the participants agreed with the definition of nutrition as the biochemical and physiologic process by which an organism uses food to support life.

Conclusion: It was evident that a significant portion of the participants lacked adequate knowledge on general nutrition, with a staggering 68% exhibiting inadequate understanding of this vital aspect of health and well-being while the participants’ knowledge on youths’ nutritional needs were relatively average, with around 49% possessing adequate understanding, there is still room for improvement in this area.

Recommendation: It was recommended that community outreach for sensitization and education of the importance of better nutrition and its impact on health should be done in the Molyko community.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Nutrition is the vital process through which organisms utilize food to support their life functions. It involves the intake of nutrients that can be metabolized to provide energy and build essential chemical structures (Dariush et al., 2022). Over the course of human history spanning more than 600 million years, early humans initially relied on gathering and hunting for their sustenance (Cordain et al., 2005).

Hunter-gatherer societies primarily relied on gathered vegetable foods, with hunting playing a prominent role only in regions with higher latitudes. However, in the 20th century, the majority of hunter-gatherer communities gradually disappeared, and those remaining often relocated to marginal environments (Cordain et al., 2005). These traditional societies obtained micronutrients from animal foods and wild plants, which had relatively low carbohydrate content.

Their dietary emphasis on protein over carbohydrates helped them avoid conditions such as obesity, coronary heart disease, and type 2 diabetes (Lindeberg, 2010). Eating in these communities was a communal experience, with meal times, especially when meat was consumed, being celebrated as significant events. Meals were savored, and ample time was dedicated to the act of eating (Lindeberg, 2010).

Globally, it is estimated that more than 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight (Ricardo et al., 2011). A cross-sectional study conducted in Delhi examined the nutritional status of youth and found that the overall prevalence of malnutrition was 46%, with 18% being undernourished and 28% being over-nourished.

Undernutrition was approximately three times more prevalent in rural areas compared to urban areas, while obesity/overweight was more common in urban areas (Ricardo et al., 2011). Another cross-sectional study conducted in Eastern Europe reported that 60.33% of participants had poor nutritional practices leading to overweight, with a higher prevalence among women (60.73%) than men (59.68%). The study also found an association between metabolic risk and excellent diet quality among women (Ismaili et al., 2022).

In Africa, the prevalence of malnutrition among youth is approximately 20.2%. A community-based cross-sectional study in East Africa revealed that late adolescent girls had an overall undernutrition rate of 16.50% and an obesity rate of 2.41%. Factors negatively associated with undernutrition included age (18-19 years), having secondary education, being from a rich wealth index family, and being from a medium wealth index family. On the other hand, having more than seven household members, walking more than 30 minutes to a water source, and living in Ethiopia were positively associated with undernutrition among late adolescent girls (Ismaili et al., 2022).

In Cameroon, a report by the Ministry of Public Health indicated that over 19.2% of women aged 18 and above suffer from malnutrition, while 14.5% of men in the same age group are also affected. The obesity rate among women is 20.3%, while among men, it is 11.8% (Tabi, 2019).

1.2 Statement of problem

Healthy eating practices during youthfulness is the major requirement for physical growth, psychological development and cognitive performance, as well as well as prevention of diet related chronic diseases. Having good nutritional knowledge and positive to healthy eating play a role in the prevention of several chronic diseases.  Proper nutrition is essential for the growth, development, and overall well-being of individuals, particularly during the critical youth stage (Arora et al., 2017).

Adequate knowledge about nutritional needs and practices plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced diet and preventing various health issues. However, studies have shown that many youths lack sufficient knowledge about nutritional needs and often engage in unhealthy dietary practices (Musaiger et al., 2021). This knowledge gap can lead to the adoption of poor eating habits, which may contribute to the increasing prevalence of diet-related diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders (Contento et al., 2020).

In the Molyko community of Buea, there is a noticeable lack of understanding among youths regarding their nutritional needs and appropriate dietary practices. This knowledge deficit may result in the consumption of unhealthy foods, especially street food, leading to potential health consequences and compromising the overall well-being of the community’s youth population (Patel et al., 2019).

The urgent need to address the knowledge gap and promote healthy dietary practices among youths in the Molyko community is underscored by the potential long-term health implications and compromised well-being of the youth population. By conducting comprehensive research and gaining a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this issue, researchers can develop effective strategies and interventions to improve nutritional knowledge and practices, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for the youths in the community.

1.3 Research objective

1.3.1 General objective

To assess youths’ knowledge of their nutritional needs and practice in the Molyko community in Buea.

1.3.2 Specific objective

1. To assess youth knowledge in the Molyko community on nutrition
2. To determine youth nutritional needs at the Molyko community
3. To evaluate youth practice on nutrition at the Molyko community

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