ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-REPORTED STRESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

  • Authors:Musa Halimat Shade, L.O. Oladimeji, Olosasa Habeebat Oyindamola, Mohammed Barakat Adeshewa
  • Publication Date:October 29, 2026
  • Type:
  • DOL:https://doi.org/10.52403/ijphd.20262309
  • Publication On:International Journal of Public Health and Disease Control
  • Volume/Issue:OCTOBER 2026 VOL. 1

Abstract

Background: Dietary patterns and eating behaviors are important determinants of health, and unhealthy dietary practices contribute substantially to the burden of chronic diseases among adults. This study assessed perceived stress, dietary patterns, and eating behaviors among working adults aged 30–60 years in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 108 working adults. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and eating behavior assessment items. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while Chi-square tests were used to examine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Most respondents (80.6%) experienced moderate perceived stress, while 13.0% and 6.5% reported low and high stress levels, respectively. Moderate dietary patterns were observed in 61.1% of respondents, whereas 20.4% and 18.5% exhibited healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns, respectively. Common eating behaviors included snacking between meals, meal skipping, and emotional eating. Perceived stress was not significantly associated with dietary patterns (χ² = 6.412, p = 0.170), but it was significantly associated with eating behaviors (χ² = 18.472, p < 0.001). Educational level, occupation, and monthly income were significantly associated with dietary patterns.

Conclusion: Moderate perceived stress was common among working adults and was significantly associated with eating behaviors but not dietary patterns. Workplace stress management, nutrition education, and interventions that promote healthy eating behaviors may improve the health and well-being of working adults.

Keywords: perceived stress; dietary patterns; eating behaviors; working adults; occupational health.

16

figures

Overall Dietary Pattern of Respondents

Fig. 0 Overall Dietary Pattern of Respondents

Bar Chart showing Consumption Pattern of Food among Respondents

Fig. 1 Bar Chart showing Consumption Pattern of Food among Respondents

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Cite this Publication

APA 7th Edition

Musa Halimat Shade, L.O. Oladimeji, Olosasa Habeebat Oyindamola, Mohammed Barakat Adeshewa (2026). ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-REPORTED STRESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA. Home of Research Journal.

MLA 9th Edition

Musa Halimat Shade, L.O. Oladimeji, Olosasa Habeebat Oyindamola, Mohammed Barakat Adeshewa “ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-REPORTED STRESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.” Home of Research, 2026.

Harvard

Musa Halimat Shade, L.O. Oladimeji, Olosasa Habeebat Oyindamola, Mohammed Barakat Adeshewa (2026) ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-REPORTED STRESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA, Home of Research.

Chicago Style

Musa Halimat Shade, L.O. Oladimeji, Olosasa Habeebat Oyindamola, Mohammed Barakat Adeshewa “ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY PATTERNS, EATING BEHAVIOR AND SELF-REPORTED STRESS AMONG WORKING ADULTS IN ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.” Home of Research. 2026.