BODY MASS INDEX OF STUDENTS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

BACKGROUND: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure of nutritional status and health risk, categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Abnormal BMI values have significant health implications, including increased risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and bone-related disorders. Among university undergraduates, lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and perceptions of weight￾for-height influence BMI status, making it important to assess knowledge, prevalence, perceptions, and determinants. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the knowledge of health implications of abnormal BMI, prevalence of BMI categories, perception of personal weight-for-height, and determinants of BMI status among undergraduates in the University of Benin. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 undergraduate students of the University of Benin between September 2024 and August 2025. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire adapted from related studies. Knowledge was scored and categorized into good or poor, while perception of BMI was assessed by comparing self￾reported weight-for-height classification with actual BMI. Anthropometric data were self￾reported and BMI was calculated. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 with descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital Ethics and Research Committee. RESULTS: The mean age ± SD of respondents was 21.0 ± 2.85 years. The majority of respondents 272 (77.7%) demonstrated good knowledge of abnormal BMI, while 78 (22.3%) had xiii poor knowledge. A significant proportion 263 (75.1%) had normal BMI, while 87 (24.9%) had abnormal BMI, comprising 36 (10.3%) underweight, 35 (10.0%) overweight, and 16 (4.6%), (27.1%) misperceived their weight status. Age (p < 0.001), degree programme (p < 0.001), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.028), residence (p = 0.001), source of income (p < 0.001), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with knowledge of abnormal BMI. Gender (p < 0.001), age group (p < 0.001), programme of study (p = 0.003), academic level (p < 0.001), marital status (p = 0.012), residence (p = 0.007), source of income (p = 0.003), and monthly income (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perception of BMI. Logistic regression revealed that age, sex, academic level, and income significantly influenced BMI status and perception. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that most undergraduates had good knowledge of abnormal BMI and a majority had normal BMI, though a considerable proportion were underweight, overweight, or obese. While perception of weight-for-height was correct among most respondents, misperception remained notable. Socio-demographic factors including age, sex, programme of study, academic level, and income were significant determinants of knowledge, BMI, and perception. Strengthening targeted health education, encouraging healthy dietary practices, and promoting physical activity among undergraduates are critical in preventing abnormal BMI and its long-term health consequences.