Body image dissatisfaction, nutritional status and weight control strategies among university undergraduates in Lagos: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Introduction: body image dissatisfaction has been associated with poor nutritional status and unhealthy weight management strategies. This study determined the prevalence and relationships between body image dissatisfaction, nutritional status, and weight management strategies among university undergraduate students in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study employed a multi-stage sampling technique to select 865 undergraduates in Lagos. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the variables. Stunkard figure rating scale was used to determine body image dissatisfaction. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine nutritional status. A standard weight control strategy scale was adopted to determine weight management strategies. SPSS (version 23) was used for analysis and the association between variables was determined using Chi-square. The level of significance was set at P= <0.05. Results: the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was high (63.5%) but not associated with gender. The majority (65.1%) had normal BMI, 10.6% were overweight and 7.2% were obese. Majority of the respondents (93.3%) engaged in weight management practices with dietary control being the most employed strategy. The most commonly employed unhealthy practice is strict dieting (37.7%). Body image dissatisfaction was significantly associated with overweight/obesity (P=0.001) but not with weight management practices. Age and overweight/obesity were predictors of BID. Conclusion: prevalence of body image dissatisfaction, overweight and obesity, and unhealthy weight management strategies were high. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with obesity but not associated with weight management strategies. All undergraduates need health education on body image and appropriate weight management strategies.

Challenges with medical education in Nigeria in the COVID-19 era.

On March 20th 2020 the Federal Government of Nigeria ordered the closure of all educational institutions, this was inclusive of all medical schools in the country. During the initial phases of this closure, most institutions were at a loss on how to proceed with learning as universities in Nigeria use mainly the didactic lecturing model. As the lockdown progressed it became imperative to the institutions to set up e-learning media for continued instruction of students. It was found that in the institutions with e-learning facilities, the preclinical years remained mostly unaffected by the closure of medical schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while all institutions came to a standstill as regards providing a suitable alternative for clinical exposure. This therein has caused loss of valuable time and a change in the calendar of the school year, making it uncertain as to when the next set of qualified medical professionals will emerge in Nigeria. In this essay, we take a look at medical education in Nigeria, its challenges and progression in the COVID-19 era. We also take a look at the effect of the pandemic on learning and the subsequent interventions introduced to mitigate it.