A Study on the

Nutritional Status of the

Resident Students of Dhaka University

Submitted to:
Shahjalal Shafiul Alam Ph.D
Associate Professor
Department of Nutrition and Food Science
University of south Asia

Submitted by:

Md. Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan

MPH-10th Batch
ID: 10011124
Masters of Public Health
University of South Asia

Submission Date
January 07, 2013

I
Table of Content

Acknowledgement iv

Letter of Transmittal v

Abstract vi-viii

List of Tables ix

List of Figures x

Chapter-1: 1-4

1.1 Introduction 2

1.2 Background 4

1.3 Justification 6

1.4 Research Questions 7

1.5 Objectives of the study 7

Chapter-2: 8-16

2.1 Material and Methods 9

2.1.1 Study Design 9

2.1.2 Study Period 9

2.1.3 Study Place 9

2.1.4 Study Population 9

2.1.5 Sample size 9

2.1.6 Data Collection Tools 10

2.1.7 Data Procedure 10

2.1.8 Data Compilation and Analysis 11

2.2 Limitation of the Study 16

II
Chapter-3: 17-24

3.1 Findings 18-19

3.2 Tables, Figure 20-24

Chapter-4: 25-27

4.0 Discussion 26-27

Chapter-5: 28-30

5.1 Conclusion 29

5.2 Recommendations 30

Chapter-6: 31-35

References 32

Annexure: 33

A.1 Data Collection Questionnaire 33-34

A.2 Work Schedule 35

III
Acknowledgement

At the very outset, I would like to express my heartiest gratitude to my supervisor, Mr.
Shahjalal Shafiul Alam Ph.D, Associate Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food
Science, University of south Asia; for his adequate support, proper guidance,
encouragement and valuable suggestions. Without his support and continual guidance,
it would not have been possible to complete this work.

My Heartiest prayer for Late Professor Mr. M. A. Matin, Ex-vice Chancellor of University
of south Asia. Thanks to Dr. Mohammad Mohit, Pro- vice chancellor; Mr. Mamun ul
Matin, Assistant Registrar; Professor Dr. Nesar Ahmed, Mr. Md. Shahjahan Ph.D; for
their support which has made it possible for me to study in this topic. My deepest
gratitude is also expressed to the Personnel of University of South Asia for their
institutional support.

Finally, I devote my deepest gratitude to my parents whom I can never thank enough.
Thanks to their support and encouragements throughout my life.

IV
January 07, 2013

Shahjalal Shafiul Alam Ph.D

Associate Professor
Department of Nutrition and Food Science
University of south Asia

Subject: Submission of the research paper.

Dear Sir,

It’s my great pleasure to submit herewith the research paper titled “A Study on the
Nutritional Status of the Resident Students of Dhaka University”

I have put my best effort to gather data, articles to write a pragmatic research paper
during my allocated period. I am grateful to you for assigning this research which is
very helpful to gain real knowledge.

Thank you for your kind support and help throughout the research. I am pleased to
provide you this report with necessary notes, remarks, tables, graphs, charts, references
and I shall be available for any clarification, if required.

Very sincerely yours,

……………………………………
Md. Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan
MPH-10th Batch
ID: 10011124
Masters of Public Health
University of South Asia

V
Abstract

Detailed nutritional study on various aspects of hall-staying students of University of

Dhaka was intended because in Bangladesh only one study reported on aspects of
dietary intake of University students. As such Protein energy malnutrition is a major
health issue in Bangladesh and it affects the physical growth and logical development of
students of different universities.

This study was therefore designed to evaluate the energy intake and body composition
based on anthropometric variables of students of university. Nutritional status is the
combination of an individual's health as influenced by intake and utilization of nutrients
and determined from information obtained by physical, biochemical and dietary
studies. This study was therefore intended to evaluate the nutritional status and eating
habits of adolescents and young adults in the halls of university of Dhaka.

200 students (19-24 years) from 5 halls of University of Dhaka surveyed using
presented questionnaire about nutritional status. To analyze nutritional status height,
weight and BMI were taken and analyzed using WHO growth standards 2007. Cross-
Sectional study was conducted to survey the nutritional status of hall staying students
of university of Dhaka. The study was carried out over 5 months from March 2012 to
July 2012. The study was carried out at 5 different halls of university of Dhaka named as
respectively: Surjasen hall, Zahurul haque hall, Rokeya hall, Jagannath hall and
Samsunnahar hall.

The assumption was taken into account for sample size determination is that Protein
energy malnutrition is a major health issue in Bangladesh and it affects the physical
growth and logical development of students. Using the statistical formula for
comparative studies, a sample size of 200 students was used and multi-stage sampling
was done in the selection of students.

VI
The procedures followed in taking anthropometric measurements are as described by
World Health Organization and United Nations. Their corresponding deviation scores
(Z-scores) were calculated with reference to the National Centre for Health Statistics
(NCHS) population, using the cut-off points' recommended by the World Health
Organization .

The survey instrument used to collect data was a 32 nutrition questionnaire, which
included not only the above socio-demographic characteristics, but also a series of
multiple-choice and open-end questions assessed various eating habits of the students,
in terms of the type and recipes of the food consumed meal. Students' participation in
the survey was voluntary and responses to these questions were anonymous, e.g., the
questionnaire did not include any student identifiers or names. The questionnaire was
completed during staying time at hall.

Form the analysis it is reveled that, 61.5% students were with normal range according
to Percent Body Mass Index (PBMI). It was also observed that 25% were lean range and
13.5% were in obese range. None was found to be very obese. These results refer to the
average health condition of the hall staying students, not so good.

From the viewpoint of sex, it is found that, male students were more normal in case of
PBMI than female. 70% male were normal PBMI and 60% female were normal PBMI.
And, obesity was present more in female 13% than in male 8%. So, female students are
with poorer health condition than male.

Since, income has an impact on health & health services; income is considered as an
important factor in this research. The family monthly income of surveyed students
mainly lies in the range of 6001-9000 (29%) and 9001-12000 (23.5%). So, 52.5%
students’ family monthly income mainly lies in the range of 6000-12000. To get proper
food, nutrition & health services, these amounts are not satisfactory. From the study it is
found that, 68% students were within normal range of nutritional status with their
family income range.

Another important test under this study was about nutritional condition of the students.
From the analysis, it is revealed that, Students take less than the recommended amount

VII
of Protein, Fat, Sugar & sodium. Only they take Carbohydrate more than required. So,
these results indicate malnutrition status of the students.

So, the final recommendations from me after the study are that, the food quality of
canteens and messes of DU halls should be improved, since; The authority should
provide subsidy for ensuring food quality, The hygienic condition such as cleanliness,
safe food, and safe water should be ensured for each and every student. The awareness
should be raised among the young students about food security, harm of junk food &
fast food etc.The quality of medical services and availability of new instruments of
medical technology should be ensured.

VIII
List of Tables

Table 1: Distribution of the students of Dhaka University by hall.

Table 2: Age vs PBMI of the students.

Table 3: Sex vs PBMI of the students.

Table 4: Distribution of all students by monthly family total income with BMI.

Table 5: Nutritional status of the, total number of students, by income group.

Table 6: Average daily food intake by a student.

Table 7: Percent distributions of student participants by nutrient requirement

IX
List of Figures

Chart-1: Distribution of all students by monthly family total income.

Chart-2: Ratio of recommended and intake of food.