Health and Inequity: A Socio-Cultural Analysis on Food and Nutrition Among Students

Abstract

Food is not just a biological need but it is very much social in nature. Socialization and culture has an influence on the eating habits as culture plays a significant role in our daily food choices and diet. The present study endeavors to create an awareness on the effects of unhealthy food habits which are developed by the students due to one’s culture or enforced by an organization. Undergraduate students pursuing education at University of Eswatini are considered ensuring or seeking information that will be helpful in the research. Nutritionist in the academic sphere is consulted to interpret the data looking into the health perspective and predict the threats imposed by the food culture health-wise. The study revealed that most students eat twice a day and some once which is not advisable and recommended by dietitians and nutritionists, because this can obviously lead to malnutrition and under nourishment. The developed culture of eating in the institution, happens to impose an unhealthy hazard to the health of students. One of the major challenges of students is that they are not permitted to cook for themselves in the institution (dormitory), which exposes students to junk food, hence the future health complications, like obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and many other diet related illnesses or conditions. The research recommends reframing university rules on cooking, provision of meals on fixed time and nutrition based education should be provided by the institution.