Impact of dietary patterns on academic performance of Zimbabwe College Students

Abstract

College students in Zimbabwe were facing many challenges in adopting proper dietary patterns which promote learning. This study sought to establish the impact of Socio-Economic factors and dietary patterns in particular on the academic performance of college students in Zimbabwe. The study established challenges that were faced by college students in making choices of dietary patterns that promote learning. Factors that influence choice of dietary patterns for college students were established in this study. The case study was Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic College in Zimbabwe with a population of 206 students and a sample of 102 participants was purposively selected. A mixed-methods research, using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed and questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis were used to collect data. Findings are presented from both questionnaire and interview data in combination, with interview data playing the role of supplementing quantitative findings and probing detailed information. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM SPSS Version 23.0 while qualitative data was coded into themes and synthesised into quantitative data to support or refute quantitative data. Research indicates that diet quality and overall health status of college students are among the prominent factors which contribute to poor student academic performance worldwide. The experiences and perceptions held by the college students and cooks were investigated. The main study findings showed that if students follow proper dietary patterns they may perform well in their studies since relationship between nutrition and academic work lies on the notion that a healthy body is able to maintain a healthy mind, which suggests that certain risk factors for a physically ill-health are also risk factors for cognitive impairment. This study made recommendations for dietary patterns that promote learning in academic domains. It also developed a model valuable for dietary patterns.