Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 7
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 8
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 9
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 9
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 10
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 10
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 10
1.10 Definition of Terms. 11
CHAPTER TWO.. 15
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 15
2.1 Introduction.. 15
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 15
2.2.1 Socioeconomic Status and Food Security Theory. 15
2.2.2 Health Behavior Model Theory. 16
2.2.3 Social Determinants of Health Theory. 16
2.2.4 Behavioral Economics Theory. 17
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 17
2.4 Empirical Review.. 21
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 23
Chapter Three.. 25
Research Methodology.. 25
Introduction.. 25
Research Design.. 25
Population and Sample Selection.. 25
Data Collection Methods. 26
Data Analysis Techniques. 27
Ethical Considerations. 27
Conclusion.. 28
CHAPTER FOUR.. 28
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 28
4.1 Preamble.. 28
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 29
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 33
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 33
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 46
Discussion of Findings. 48
CHAPTER FIVE.. 50
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.. 50
5.1 Summary of Findings. 50
5.2 Conclusion.. 51
5.3 Recommendations. 52
REFERENCE. 53
Questionnaire on Socioeconomic Status and Nutritional Status. 56
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and nutritional status has garnered significant attention in public health research due to its profound implications for overall well-being and health disparities. Socioeconomic status, typically assessed through income, education, and occupation, profoundly influences an individual’s access to resources and opportunities, which in turn affects their nutritional choices and health outcomes. According to a study by Drewnowski and Almiron (2023), individuals with lower SES often face constraints that limit their access to nutrient-rich foods, leading to poorer nutritional outcomes compared to their higher SES counterparts. This relationship is complex and multifaceted, involving both direct and indirect pathways that impact nutritional health.
Research indicates that lower SES is consistently associated with a higher prevalence of diet-related health issues, including obesity and malnutrition. For example, a 2022 study by Ghosh et al. demonstrated that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to consume high-calorie, low-nutrient foods due to their lower cost and greater availability. This dietary pattern contributes to adverse health outcomes, such as increased rates of chronic diseases including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions (Smith et al., 2021). Similarly, an analysis by Garcia and Wilkins (2020) highlighted that socioeconomic disparities in diet quality are linked to higher healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes.
Furthermore, socioeconomic disparities in nutrition are not solely a result of income but are also influenced by education and knowledge about nutrition. Educational attainment has been shown to impact dietary habits, with individuals having higher levels of education more likely to engage in healthier eating practices (Johnson & Lopez, 2022). This educational effect was corroborated by research from Thompson and Leung (2023), which found that health literacy significantly mediates the relationship between SES and nutritional status. Hence, the interplay between education, income, and dietary choices creates a dynamic landscape for understanding nutritional disparities.
Public policy interventions aimed at improving nutritional outcomes must therefore consider the intricate links between socioeconomic factors and dietary behaviors. For instance, targeted nutrition assistance programs, such as those highlighted in the 2021 report by Williams and Moore, have shown promise in mitigating some of the adverse effects of low SES on nutrition by increasing access to healthy foods. However, the effectiveness of such programs often depends on their design and implementation, as well as the broader economic context in which they operate.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and nutritional status presents a critical public health challenge, as disparities in income and education significantly impact dietary choices and overall health outcomes. Lower SES individuals often face economic constraints that limit their ability to purchase nutrient-dense foods, leading to higher consumption of cheaper, calorie-dense options that contribute to poor nutritional status. Research by Ghosh et al. (2022) highlights that individuals with lower incomes are more likely to experience food insecurity and have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, resulting in inadequate nutritional intake. This disparity not only exacerbates existing health issues but also contributes to the prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, among lower socioeconomic groups.
In addition to economic barriers, educational attainment plays a crucial role in determining dietary habits and nutritional outcomes. Studies have shown that individuals with lower levels of education are less likely to possess the knowledge necessary to make informed dietary choices, further compounding the negative effects of low SES on nutrition. Johnson and Lopez (2022) emphasize that limited nutritional knowledge and health literacy among lower SES populations often result in poorer dietary practices and increased susceptibility to nutrition-related health problems. This educational gap underscores the need for targeted interventions that address both economic and educational barriers to improve nutritional status.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Analysis of the Relationship between Socioeconomic Status and Nutritional Status. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To examine the correlation between socioeconomic status (SES) and overall nutritional status within a specific population.
- To investigate the association between specific components of SES income, education, occupation and different dimensions of nutritional status underweight, overweight/obesity, micronutrient deficiencies in a defined population.
- To explore the mediating or moderating effects of other factors on the relationship between SES and nutritional status.
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- Is there a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and overall nutritional status among target population?
- How do specific components of socioeconomic status income, education, occupation relate to different dimensions of nutritional status underweight, overweight/obesity micronutrient deficiencies among target population?
- Do age, gender, ethnicity, or geographic location influence the relationship between socioeconomic status and nutritional status among target population?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between socioeconomic status and nutritional status.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the Food and Nutrition sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to Uyo Metropolis. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. Socioeconomic Status (SES)
Socioeconomic status refers to an individual's or group’s economic and social position relative to others, based on factors such as income, education, and occupation. It often influences access to resources, including healthcare, education, and nutritious food.
2. Nutritional Status: Definition
Nutritional status is a measure of an individual's health in relation to their dietary intake and nutritional needs. It can be assessed through various indicators, including body mass index (BMI), nutrient levels in the blood, and overall dietary patterns.
3. Income: Definition
Income refers to the amount of money received by an individual or household from various sources, including wages, salaries, investments, and government benefits. It is a key component of socioeconomic status and can affect access to nutritious food and health services.
4. Educational Attainment: Definition
Educational attainment denotes the highest level of education an individual has completed. It is a significant determinant of socioeconomic status and is linked to knowledge about nutrition, health literacy, and access to resources.
5. Food Security: Definition
Food security is the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. It is closely related to socioeconomic status and nutritional outcomes.
6. Body Mass Index (BMI): Definition
Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on an individual’s weight in relation to their height, calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m²). It is commonly used to categorize individuals into weight status categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
7. Dietary Intake: Definition
Dietary intake refers to the types and amounts of food and beverages consumed by an individual. It provides insight into nutritional habits and is used to assess how well an individual’s diet meets their nutritional requirements and influences their overall health.
