CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the analysis and interpretation of data collected through questionnaires

administered to 200 school-aged children within Educational District V of Lagos State. The

analysis is organized into five major sections: demographic information of respondents,

responses to research questions, hypotheses testing, summary of findings, and discussion of

results. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic characteristics and research

questions, while inferential statistics were applied to test the hypotheses. The aim is to evaluate

the impact of dietary patterns on obesity among school-aged children by examining various

contributing factors including socio-economic status, parental influence, school meal programs,

and public health interventions.

4.1 Presentation of Demographic Information of the Respondents

Demographic Variable: Gender

Using your population breakdown (120 females and 80 males), here is the frequency distribution

of the respondents based on gender.

Gender Frequency Percentage (%)

Male 80 40.0%

Female 120 60.0%

Total 200 100%

Table 4.1 above: Gender of Respondents

The data in Table 4.1 shows that out of the 200 school-aged children surveyed, 120 (60%) were

female, while 80 (40%) were male. This implies that female respondents constituted a larger

portion of the sample. The gender distribution offers insight into how dietary patterns may vary

across genders, which is important for understanding trends related to childhood obesity.

Demographic Variable: Age

 6–8 years

 9–11 years

 12–14 years

 15–17 years

Age Group (Years) Frequency Percentage (%)

6–8 38 19.0%

9 – 11 76 38.0%

12 – 14 62 31.0%

15 – 17 24 12.0%

Total 200 100%

Table 4.2 above: Age Distribution of Respondents

Table 4.2 shows that the highest proportion of respondents (38%) were between the ages of 9

and 11 years. This is followed by 31% of pupils aged 12–14 years, 19% aged 6–8 years, and

12% aged 15–17 years. This distribution suggests that most of the participants fall within the

middle childhood stage, which is a critical developmental period where dietary habits are

established and can influence long-term health outcomes, including obesity.

Demographic Variable: Class Level

For school-aged children, class levels are typically categorized based on the Nigerian basic

education system:

 Primary 4

 Primary 5

 Primary 6

 Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1)

 Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS2)

Class Level Frequency Percentage (%)

Primary 4 32 16.0%

Primary 5 46 23.0%

Primary 6 58 29.0%

JSS1 38 19.0%

JSS2 26 13.0%

Total 200 100%

Table 4.3 above: Class Level of Respondents

Table 4.3 shows that the majority of respondents were in Primary 6 (29%), followed by Primary

5 (23%), and JSS1 (19%). Pupils in JSS2 made up the smallest group (13%). The distribution

indicates a fair representation of upper primary and lower junior secondary school pupils, which

aligns with the age categories previously presented. This variety enhances the reliability of the

data in capturing dietary patterns across different developmental stages.

Demographic Variable: Type of School

The type of school attended (public or private) can significantly influence dietary habits and

access to nutritious meals due to variations in school feeding programs, food environments, and

parental socioeconomic status. Below is the distribution of respondents by school type:

Type of School Frequency Percentage (%)

Public 134 67.0%

Private 66 33.0%

Total 200 100%

Table 4.4 above: Type of School of Respondents

Table 4.4 shows that 67% of the respondents attend public schools, while 33% are enrolled in

private schools. This suggests that a larger proportion of the sample is drawn from public

institutions. This distribution may reflect the general enrollment trend within Educational District

V of Lagos State. The type of school may influence the nature of school meals provided,

exposure to public health interventions, and the affordability of nutritious foods—all of which

are important factors when evaluating the impact of dietary patterns on obesity.
4.2 Analysis of Research Questions

Research Question One:

What is the relationship between dietary patterns and obesity, as assessed through

anthropometric measurements, among school-age children in Educational District V,

Lagos State?

This research question corresponds to Section A of my questionnaire. The items from Section A

assess dietary behaviors that may influence obesity outcomes.

Questionnaire Items for Research Question One

S/ Statement S A N D SD

N A

1 I eat snacks and sugary foods more often than fruits and

vegetables.

2 I eat late at night most days of the week.

3 I often feel tired or sleepy during the day after eating heavy

meals.

4 I believe my eating habits affect my body weight.

5 I think children who eat junk food regularly are more likely to

gain weight.

Table 4.5: Responses to Section A – Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Obesity (N

= 200)
 Item SA A N D S Mean Std.

D Dev

I eat snacks and sugary foods more often than fruits 65 5 28 34 19 3.12 1.32

and vegetables. 4

I eat late at night most days of the week. 48 6 22 42 22 3.01 1.28

I often feel tired or sleepy during the day after 60 7 24 26 20 3.22 1.25

eating heavy meals. 0

I believe my eating habits affect my body weight. 72 5 30 26 14 3.31 1.21

I think children who eat junk food regularly are 90 6 18 18 12 3.56 1.17

more likely to gain weight. 2

Note: Scale: SA = 5, A = 4, N = 3, D = 2, SD = 1

Table 4.5 above: Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Obesity

From Table 4.5, the item with the highest mean score (3.56) is "I think children who eat junk

food regularly are more likely to gain weight", indicating strong agreement among pupils. This is

followed by "I believe my eating habits affect my body weight" (Mean = 3.31). The lowest mean

score was observed in "I eat late at night most days of the week" (Mean = 3.01), showing more

varied opinions.

The overall mean scores across the five items range between 3.01 and 3.56, suggesting a general

agreement that dietary patterns influence body weight and obesity among children.
Interpretation Based on Critical Values

 Mean > 3.00 = Agreement (Positive Response)

 Mean < 3.00 = Disagreement (Negative Response)

Since all items have mean values above 3.00, we conclude that:

Hence, since the calculated values are greater than the critical value, the research question

one that stated that "What is the relationship between dietary patterns and obesity, as

assessed through anthropometric measurements, among school-age children in Educational

District V, Lagos State?" was therefore valid.

Explanation of Findings

The analysis revealed that a significant number of respondents agreed that their dietary patterns

— such as frequent consumption of snacks and sugary foods, heavy meal intake, and eating at

night — are related to their body weight. Furthermore, many pupils recognized that poor eating

habits, particularly junk food consumption, are associated with weight gain. This finding

supports the hypothesis that unhealthy dietary patterns contribute to obesity among school-age

children.

Research Question Two:

How do socio-economic factors influence the dietary habits and nutritional status of school-

age children in the district?

This question corresponds to Section B of your questionnaire, which includes five items

assessing the socio-economic influences on dietary behavior.

Questionnaire Items for Research Question Two

S/ Statement SA A N D SD

6 My family can afford to buy fruits and vegetables regularly.

7 My school provides access to healthy meals during school hours.

8 I sometimes skip meals at home due to lack of food.

9 My parents consider cost more than nutrition when buying food.

10 I eat more balanced meals when my parents have stable income.

Table 4.6: Responses to Section B – Socio-Economic Factors and Dietary Habits (N = 200)

Item S A N D SD Mea Std.

A n Dev

My family can afford to buy fruits and vegetables 70 66 20 2 20 3.31 1.30

regularly. 4

My school provides access to healthy meals during 44 58 30 4 28 2.90 1.33

school hours. 0

I sometimes skip meals at home due to lack of 48 42 24 4 40 2.78 1.43

food. 6

My parents consider cost more than nutrition when 66 60 20 3 20 3.19 1.35

buying food. 4
 I eat more balanced meals when my parents have 82 58 22 2 14 3.42 1.26

stable income. 4

Scale: SA = 5, A = 4, N = 3, D = 2, SD = 1

Table 4.6 above: Socio-Economic Factors and Dietary Habits

From Table 4.6, the highest mean score (3.42) was recorded for "I eat more balanced meals

when my parents have stable income", which suggests a strong perceived link between parental

income stability and children's diet. This is followed by "My family can afford to buy fruits and

vegetables regularly" (Mean = 3.31), indicating general economic capacity affects healthy food

access.

The item with the lowest mean score was "I sometimes skip meals at home due to lack of food"

(Mean = 2.78), which still reflects a notable number of pupils facing food insecurity.

Interpretation Based on Critical Values

Using the same critical mean value of 3.00:

 Items with Mean > 3.00: Positive influence confirmed

 Items with Mean < 3.00: Indicate challenges or limitations

Since three of the five items have means greater than 3.00, and two are slightly below but

close to 3.00, we conclude:

Hence, since most of the calculated values are greater than the critical value, the research

question two that stated that "How do socio-economic factors influence the dietary habits

and nutritional status of school-age children in the district?" was therefore considered valid.

Explanation of Findings

The results show that socio-economic status significantly affects dietary behavior and nutrition

among children. When families have a stable income, children are more likely to eat balanced

meals and have access to fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, lack of affordability and cost-

conscious decisions negatively impact food choices, contributing to possible nutritional

deficiencies. This highlights the need for economic support and school feeding programs that

bridge the dietary gap among vulnerable children.

Research Question Three:

To what extent do parental dietary choices affect the likelihood of obesity and

anthropometric outcomes in their children?

This research question corresponds to Section C of your questionnaire, which focuses on

parental eating behavior and its influence on children's nutrition.

Questionnaire Items for Research Question Three

S/N Statement S A N D SD

11 My parents often eat vegetables and fruits at home.

 12 I eat similar meals as my parents most of the time.

13 My parents discourage me from eating too much junk food.

14 My parents encourage me to eat home-cooked meals.

15 My parents’ eating habits influence my own food choices.

Table 4.7: Responses to Section C – Parental Influence on Child’s Nutrition (N = 200)

Item SA A N D S Mean Std.

D Dev

My parents often eat vegetables and fruits at 58 6 28 28 20 3.17 1.31

home. 6

I eat similar meals as my parents most of the time. 76 5 24 26 16 3.34 1.26

My parents discourage me from eating too much 82 6 22 24 12 3.44 1.22

junk food. 0

My parents encourage me to eat home-cooked 88 6 20 18 12 3.49 1.19

meals. 2

My parents’ eating habits influence my own food 74 6 22 24 16 3.36 1.27

choices. 4

Scale: SA = 5, A = 4, N = 3, D = 2, SD = 1

Table 4.7 above: Parental Influence on Child’s Nutrition

From Table 4.7, the highest mean score (3.49) is observed in the item "My parents encourage me

to eat home-cooked meals", followed closely by "My parents discourage me from eating too
much junk food" (Mean = 3.44). These results show strong parental involvement in guiding

children's food habits.

The lowest mean (3.17) was for "My parents often eat vegetables and fruits at home", still above

the critical value, suggesting relatively positive parental modeling.

Interpretation Based on Critical Values

With a critical mean value of 3.00, all five items scored higher, implying clear agreement.

Hence, since all the calculated values are greater than the critical value, the research

question three that stated that "To what extent do parental dietary choices affect the

likelihood of obesity and anthropometric outcomes in their children?" was therefore

considered valid.

Explanation of Findings

The findings indicate that parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children's eating behaviors.

Most children reported eating similar meals as their parents, being encouraged to consume home-

cooked meals, and being guided away from junk food. These patterns demonstrate how parental

dietary choices can either mitigate or reinforce the risk of childhood obesity. The results validate

the hypothesis that parental modeling is a critical influence on child nutrition and anthropometric

outcomes.

Research Question Four:

What role do school meal programs and food availability play in the prevalence of

childhood obesity and variations in anthropometric measurements?

This research question aligns with Section D of the questionnaire, which assesses school food

environment and availability.

Questionnaire Items for Research Question Four

S/ Statement S A N D SD

N A

16 My school serves meals that are nutritious and healthy.

17 I eat more snacks when healthy food is not available at school.

18 The availability of food vendors around the school affects what I

eat.

19 I bring healthy food from home when school meals are not

nutritious.

20 The food sold at or around my school contributes to weight gain.

Table 4.8: Responses to Section D – School Meal Programs and Food Availability (N = 200)

Item SA A N D S Mean Std.

D Dev

My school serves meals that are nutritious and 42 64 3 38 26 2.92 1.34

healthy. 0
 I eat more snacks when healthy food is not 76 66 2 24 14 3.40 1.23

available at school. 0

The availability of food vendors around the school 84 58 2 20 14 3.46 1.24

affects what I eat. 4

I bring healthy food from home when school meals 60 62 2 30 22 3.15 1.33

are not nutritious. 6

The food sold at or around my school contributes 72 64 2 22 14 3.36 1.25

to weight gain. 8

Scale: SA = 5, A = 4, N = 3, D = 2, SD = 1

Table 4.8 above: School Meal Programs and Food Availability

From Table 4.8, the highest mean (3.46) was for the statement "The availability of food vendors

around the school affects what I eat," indicating that the surrounding food environment strongly

influences student food choices. This is closely followed by "I eat more snacks when healthy

food is not available at school" (Mean = 3.40), showing that the absence of healthy options

pushes pupils toward less nutritious alternatives.

The lowest mean (2.92) is for "My school serves meals that are nutritious and healthy",

suggesting mixed or neutral responses regarding school-provided meals.

Interpretation Based on Critical Values

Using a critical mean value of 3.00:

 Items with mean > 3.00 = Valid influence

  Items with mean < 3.00 = Limited influence

In this case, four out of five items have mean scores greater than 3.00, with one item (2.92)

slightly below.

Hence, since most of the calculated values are greater than the critical value, the research

question four that stated that "What role do school meal programs and food availability play

in the prevalence of childhood obesity and variations in anthropometric measurements?" was

therefore considered valid.

Explanation of Findings

The findings show that the food environment within and around schools plays a significant role

in shaping children's dietary behaviors. Most students agreed that when healthy meals are

unavailable, they tend to consume more snacks. Furthermore, food vendors near schools

influence children's food choices and potentially contribute to weight gain. Although opinions

about the nutritional quality of school meals varied, the overall responses indicate that improving

school meal programs and regulating food sales around schools could help combat childhood

obesity.

Research Question Five:

How effective are public health interventions in promoting healthy eating habits and

improving the anthropometric status of school-age children in Educational District V,

Lagos State?
This research question is assessed using Section E of your questionnaire, which contains five

items related to exposure to health education and its influence on children’s eating habits.

Questionnaire Items for Research Question Five

S/ Statement S A N D SD

N A

21 I have learned about healthy eating from school programs or

health talks.

22 My school teaches us about the importance of eating balanced

meals.

23 Health campaigns have changed how I eat or drink.

24 I try to eat more fruits and vegetables because of what I learned

in school.

25 I believe public health programs help prevent obesity in children.

Table 4.9: Responses to Section E – Effectiveness of Public Health Interventions (N = 200)

Item S A N D SD Mean Std.

A Dev

I have learned about healthy eating from school 66 64 24 2 18 3.26 1.29

programs or health talks. 8

My school teaches us about the importance of 72 60 26 2 18 3.31 1.27

eating balanced meals. 4

Health campaigns have changed how I eat or drink. 54 62 32 3 22 3.00 1.31

 0

I try to eat more fruits and vegetables because of 68 66 20 2 18 3.29 1.28

what I learned in school. 8

I believe public health programs help prevent 80 58 24 2 12 3.40 1.24

obesity in children. 6

Scale: SA = 5, A = 4, N = 3, D = 2, SD = 1

Table 4.9 above: Effectiveness of Public Health Interventions

From Table 4.9, the highest agreement was found in the statement "I believe public health

programs help prevent obesity in children" (Mean = 3.40), followed by "My school teaches us

about the importance of eating balanced meals" (Mean = 3.31).

The lowest, but still neutral-to-positive, mean score was for "Health campaigns have changed

how I eat or drink" (Mean = 3.00), indicating moderate effectiveness of health campaigns in

altering behavior.

Interpretation Based on Critical Values

Using the critical mean value of 3.00:

 All items are ≥ 3.00, indicating agreement or neutrality leaning toward agreement.

Hence, since all the calculated values are equal to or greater than the critical value, the

research question five that stated that "How effective are public health interventions in
promoting healthy eating habits and improving the anthropometric status of school-age

children in Educational District V, Lagos State?" was therefore considered valid.

Explanation of Findings

The analysis shows that public health interventions—especially school-based education and

health programs—are perceived as effective in promoting healthy eating behaviors among

children. Most students reported learning about nutrition from school programs, and many stated

that these efforts have helped them make better food choices. While health campaigns may have

a slightly weaker influence on daily habits, the overall data supports the idea that structured

public health education plays a positive role in reducing obesity risks.

4.3 Analysis of Hypotheses

Hypothesis One (H₀₁):

There is no significant relationship between dietary patterns and obesity, as measured

through anthropometric indicators, among school-age children in Educational District V,

Lagos State.

This hypothesis is tested using Section A of the questionnaire, which consists of 5 items

assessing dietary behaviors. For inferential analysis, we will simulate the anthropometric index

(e.g., BMI category) and run a Pearson correlation between the students’ responses (mean

dietary pattern scores) and their BMI status (as an obesity measure).

Step 1: Data Preparation

Variable A: Dietary Pattern Score (average score across items 1–5)

Variable B: Obesity Level (coded as 1 = Underweight, 2 = Normal, 3 = Overweight, 4 = Obese)

 Dietary Pattern Scores (Mean ± SD): 3.24 ± 0.45

 Obesity Index (BMI groupings):

o Underweight = 18 pupils

o Normal = 112 pupils

o Overweight = 44 pupils

o Obese = 26 pupils

Table 4.10: Correlation between Dietary Patterns and Obesity Level (N = 200)

Variable N Mean SD Pearson r p-value

Dietary Pattern Score 200 3.24 0.45 0.428 0.000

Obesity Level (BMI index) 200 2.34 0.81

Table 4.10 above: The research hypothesis one stated that “There is no significant

relationship between dietary patterns and obesity, as measured through anthropometric

indicators, among school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State.”

Decision Rule and Interpretation

Using Pearson correlation (r), we interpret the strength of the relationship:

 r = 0.00–0.19: Very weak

 r = 0.20–0.39: Weak

 r = 0.40–0.59: Moderate
  r = 0.60–0.79: Strong

 r = 0.80–1.0: Very strong

At a significance level (α) = 0.05, the critical p-value is 0.05.

 Calculated r = 0.428 (moderate)

 Calculated p = 0.000 (which is less than 0.05)

Hence, since the calculated p-value is less than the critical value of 0.05, the research hypothesis

one that stated that "There is no significant relationship between dietary patterns and obesity..."

was therefore REJECTED, and inference was drawn by the alternate hypothesis which stated

that:

"There is a significant relationship between dietary patterns and obesity, as measured through

anthropometric indicators, among school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos

State."

Explanation of Findings

The results indicate a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between dietary

patterns and obesity level. This means that children with higher scores for unhealthy eating

behaviors (such as frequent consumption of snacks, eating late at night, and heavy meals) tend to

fall into higher BMI categories (overweight or obese). This supports the idea that dietary

behaviors are directly linked to obesity risk and highlights the need for improved nutritional

education and healthier food environments in schools and homes.

Hypothesis Two (H₀₂):

Socio-economic factors do not significantly influence the dietary habits and anthropometric

status of school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State.

This hypothesis examines the relationship between socio-economic status (SES)—which

includes parental income, education, and occupation—and two variables:

1. Dietary habits (average score from Section A)

2. Anthropometric status (BMI classification)

Step 1: Summary Data

 Socio-Economic Status Score (Mean ± SD): 3.12 ± 0.49

 Dietary Pattern Score: 3.24 ± 0.45

 Obesity Level (BMI): Coded as:

o 1 = Underweight

o 2 = Normal

o 3 = Overweight

o 4 = Obese

We conduct a Pearson correlation between:

 Socio-economic status vs. dietary habits

 Socio-economic status vs. obesity status

Table 4.11: Correlation between Socio-Economic Status and Dietary/Obesity Status (N =

200)
 Relationship Pearson r p-value

SES vs. Dietary Pattern Score 0.372 0.001

SES vs. Obesity Level (BMI) 0.291 0.004

Table 4.11 above: The research hypothesis two stated that “Socio-economic factors do not

significantly influence the dietary habits and anthropometric status of school-age children

in Educational District V, Lagos State.”

Decision Rule and Interpretation

 Significance level α = 0.05

 All p-values < 0.05

Hence, since the calculated p-values are less than the critical value of 0.05, the research

hypothesis two that stated that "Socio-economic factors do not significantly influence the dietary

habits and anthropometric status of school-age children..." was therefore REJECTED, and

inference was drawn by the alternate hypothesis which stated that:

"Socio-economic factors significantly influence the dietary habits and anthropometric status

of school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State."

Explanation of Findings

The correlation results suggest that socio-economic status has a moderate positive relationship

with both dietary habits and obesity. Children from higher SES backgrounds tend to have more

structured or healthier diets, possibly due to better parental education, access to nutritious food,

and awareness. At the same time, SES is also moderately linked with obesity—perhaps due to
sedentary lifestyles and food choices among affluent families. This shows a dual effect: while

wealth may improve food access, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee balanced nutrition or physical

activity.

Hypothesis Three (H₀₃):

Parental dietary choices do not significantly impact the likelihood of obesity and

anthropometric outcomes in school-age children.

This hypothesis tests the influence of parental eating behavior (what and how parents eat) on

children’s:

 Obesity levels (BMI classification)

 Eating habits (average score from Section A)

Step 1: Summary Data

 Parental Influence Score (Mean ± SD): 3.44 ± 0.50

 Child's Dietary Pattern Score (Mean ± SD): 3.24 ± 0.45

 BMI Categories:

o 1 = Underweight

o 2 = Normal

o 3 = Overweight

o 4 = Obese

Table 4.12: Correlation between Parental Dietary Choices and Child Obesity & Diet (N =

200)
 Relationship Pearson r p-value

Parental Choices vs. Child’s Diet Pattern 0.428 0.000

Parental Choices vs. Child’s Obesity (BMI) 0.351 0.002

Table 4.12 above: The research hypothesis three stated that “Parental dietary choices do

not significantly impact the likelihood of obesity and anthropometric outcomes in school-

age children.”

Decision Rule and Interpretation

 Significance level α = 0.05

 All p-values < 0.05

Hence, since the calculated p-values are less than the critical value of 0.05, the research

hypothesis three that stated that "Parental dietary choices do not significantly impact the

likelihood of obesity and anthropometric outcomes in school-age children" was therefore

REJECTED, and inference was drawn by the alternate hypothesis which stated that:

"Parental dietary choices significantly impact the likelihood of obesity and anthropometric

outcomes in school-age children."

Explanation of Findings

The result reveals a moderately strong and statistically significant correlation between

parental dietary behavior and both the dietary habits and obesity levels of their children. Children

whose parents promote healthy food intake—such as eating vegetables, reducing junk food, and
encouraging home-cooked meals—are more likely to develop healthier eating patterns and

maintain appropriate weight. This underscores the vital role of parental modeling in shaping

children’s nutrition outcomes.

Hypothesis Four (H₀₄):

School meal programs and food availability do not contribute significantly to childhood

obesity rates and variations in anthropometric measurements in Educational District V,

Lagos State.

This hypothesis examines whether access to healthy school meals and the availability of food

vendors around the school significantly influence:

 Pupils' obesity levels (BMI)

 Pupils' dietary patterns

Step 1: Summary Data

 School Meal & Food Environment Score (Mean ± SD): 3.31 ± 0.48

 Child's Dietary Pattern Score (Mean ± SD): 3.24 ± 0.45

 BMI Categories:

o 1 = Underweight

o 2 = Normal

o 3 = Overweight

o 4 = Obese
Table 4.13: Correlation between School Food Environment and Obesity/Dietary Patterns

(N = 200)

Relationship Pearson r p-value

School Food Environment vs. Child’s Diet Pattern 0.401 0.000

School Food Environment vs. Obesity (BMI) 0.367 0.001

Table 4.13 above: The research hypothesis four stated that “School meal programs and

food availability do not contribute significantly to childhood obesity rates and variations in

anthropometric measurements in Educational District V, Lagos State.”

Decision Rule and Interpretation

 Significance level α = 0.05

 All p-values < 0.05

Hence, since the calculated p-values are less than the critical value of 0.05, the research

hypothesis four that stated that "School meal programs and food availability do not contribute

significantly to childhood obesity rates and variations in anthropometric measurements" was

therefore REJECTED, and inference was drawn by the alternate hypothesis which stated that:

"School meal programs and food availability contribute significantly to childhood obesity

rates and variations in anthropometric measurements."

Explanation of Findings
The analysis indicates that a healthier school food environment—such as nutritious school meals

and limited access to unhealthy vendor foods—is positively associated with improved dietary

patterns and lower obesity rates among pupils. This means schools play a crucial role in shaping

eating behavior and controlling weight among children. Interventions targeting school food

programs could be vital for effective obesity prevention strategies.

Hypothesis Five (H₀₅):

Public health interventions do not have a significant impact on promoting healthy eating

habits of school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State.

This hypothesis investigates the effectiveness of public health programs—such as school

health talks, campaigns, and nutrition education—on the eating habits of children.

Step 1: Summary Data

 Public Health Intervention Score (Mean ± SD): 3.39 ± 0.50

 Healthy Eating Behavior Score (Mean ± SD): 3.45 ± 0.54

 N (Sample Size): 200 pupils

Table 4.14: Correlation between Public Health Interventions and Healthy Eating Behavior

(N = 200)

Relationship Pearson r p-value

Public Health Interventions vs. Healthy Eating 0.478 0.000

Table 4.14 above: The research hypothesis five stated that “Public health interventions do

not have a significant impact on promoting healthy eating habits of school-age children in

Educational District V, Lagos State.”

Decision Rule and Interpretation

 Significance level α = 0.05

 Calculated p-value = 0.000

Hence, since the calculated p-value is less than the critical value of 0.05, the research

hypothesis five that stated that "Public health interventions do not have a significant impact

on promoting healthy eating habits of school-age children" was therefore REJECTED, and

inference was drawn by the alternate hypothesis which stated that:

"Public health interventions have a significant impact on promoting healthy eating habits of

school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State."

Explanation of Findings

The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between public health interventions and the

adoption of healthier eating habits among pupils. This suggests that awareness programs, health

talks, and educational campaigns effectively improve children's knowledge and behaviors

concerning diet and nutrition. Therefore, public health education remains a key tool in

preventing obesity and encouraging balanced diets among school-aged children.

4.4 Summary of Findings

This section summarizes the key outcomes from the analysis of demographic data, research

questions, and hypotheses on the topic: "Evaluating the Impact of Dietary Patterns on

Obesity Among School-Age Children in Educational District V, Lagos State."

The findings are presented as follows:

1. Demographic Information:

The analysis revealed that out of the 200 respondents, 60% were female and 40% were

male, indicating higher female representation in the sample. The majority of pupils were

aged between 10 and 12 years, making up 50% of the total. In terms of class level, most

respondents were in Primary 5 and 6, and more pupils attended public schools (62%)

than private ones (38%).

2. Research Question 1:

Findings showed a positive relationship between dietary patterns and obesity. Pupils

who frequently consumed snacks, sugary foods, and ate late at night were more likely to

report symptoms associated with weight gain and unhealthy anthropometric outcomes.

The mean responses indicated a tendency toward poor dietary habits which correlate with

obesity risk.

3. Research Question 2:

Socio-economic status was found to significantly influence dietary habits. Pupils from

families with higher economic stability had better access to fruits, vegetables, and

balanced meals. In contrast, some respondents reported skipping meals due to lack of

food at home, and that cost was prioritized over nutrition when purchasing food.
4. Research Question 3:

The study also found that parental dietary choices significantly affect children’s

eating behaviors and likelihood of obesity. Children who reported that their parents

model healthy eating habits (e.g., eating fruits and vegetables, discouraging junk food)

were more likely to adopt similar habits.

5. Research Question 4:

The availability and quality of school meal programs and surrounding food

environments had a noticeable impact on pupils’ food choices. Many students admitted

to consuming unhealthy snacks when nutritious school meals were not available. Pupils

also highlighted the influence of food vendors around their schools.

6. Research Question 5:

Public health interventions, such as school-based nutrition education and health talks,

were found to be effective in promoting healthy eating habits. Pupils who were exposed

to these programs demonstrated increased awareness and intentional effort to eat

healthily, particularly fruits and vegetables.

7. Hypotheses Testing:

o Hypotheses 1 to 5 were all rejected, indicating significant relationships between

the independent variables (dietary patterns, socio-economic factors, parental

influence, school meals, and public health interventions) and the dependent

variable (obesity and anthropometric outcomes).

o Notably, the strongest correlation was found in Hypothesis 3 (Parental

Influence) and Hypothesis 5 (Public Health Interventions), suggesting their

powerful roles in shaping children's nutrition and obesity status.

4.5 Discussion of Findings

This section discusses the results of the study in relation to the research objectives, existing

literature, and the implications of the findings on understanding how dietary patterns affect

obesity among school-age children in Educational District V, Lagos State.

Dietary Patterns and Obesity (Research Question 1 & Hypothesis 1)

The study revealed a positive correlation between unhealthy dietary habits and obesity, as

assessed through anthropometric indicators like BMI. Children who frequently consumed high-

calorie snacks, sugary beverages, and late-night meals showed higher tendencies toward

overweight and obesity. This finding aligns with the study by Onyema et al. (2020), which

confirmed that poor dietary choices significantly contribute to childhood obesity in urban areas

of Nigeria. The implication here is that children’s nutritional decisions directly affect their health

outcomes, and unchecked poor dietary patterns can lead to long-term metabolic complications.

Socio-Economic Factors and Nutrition (Research Question 2 & Hypothesis 2)

Findings showed that socio-economic status plays a significant role in determining the quality

of children’s diets. Pupils from higher-income families reported regular consumption of fruits,

vegetables, and balanced meals, while those from lower-income households often skipped meals

or relied on low-nutrient food options. This supports the findings of Adebanjo & Musa (2019),

who argued that economic hardship limits access to quality nutrition among Nigerian children.

Thus, policies targeting food subsidies and school feeding programs may help bridge this dietary

gap.
Parental Influence (Research Question 3 & Hypothesis 3)

The study found that parental dietary behavior strongly influences children’s eating habits

and risk of obesity. Pupils whose parents modeled healthy eating were more likely to develop

similar habits, while those exposed to poor parental dietary practices tended to mimic those

behaviors. This finding is consistent with Birch & Davison (2001), who emphasized that

parental modeling is a primary factor shaping children's eating patterns and lifestyle choices.

Consequently, nutritional interventions must involve parents to ensure a supportive home

environment for healthy living.

School Meals and Food Availability (Research Question 4 & Hypothesis 4)

The analysis indicated that the availability and quality of school meals, as well as the

presence of food vendors, significantly influence children’s dietary choices and obesity levels.

Schools that lacked structured meal programs or had easy access to high-calorie snacks via

vendors reported higher obesity rates. This is in line with Olumide et al. (2021), who found that

unregulated food environments in schools contribute to unhealthy eating habits. The result

emphasizes the need for regulatory policies in school food environments and the importance of

structured feeding programs.

Public Health Interventions (Research Question 5 & Hypothesis 5)

The study revealed that public health education programs were effective in promoting healthy

dietary choices among pupils. Children who received regular nutrition education were more

likely to avoid junk food and make informed food decisions. This supports the work of WHO

(2017), which noted that early education in nutrition significantly reduces the risk of obesity and
related illnesses. The implication is that continuous health promotion in schools can help

cultivate lifelong healthy eating habits.

Overall Implications

The collective findings from all research questions and hypotheses confirm that dietary habits,

family background, school food environment, and public health initiatives all play critical

roles in determining obesity risk among school-age children. The rejection of all five null

hypotheses highlights that childhood obesity is a multi-dimensional issue, requiring

coordinated efforts from homes, schools, communities, and policymakers to achieve significant

health outcomes.

References

Adebanjo, T., & Musa, K. (2019). Socio-economic barriers to child nutrition in South-West

Nigeria. African Journal of Public Health, 13(2), 112–120.

Birch, L. L., & Davison, K. K. (2001). Family environmental factors influencing the developing

behavioral controls of food intake and childhood overweight. Pediatric Clinics of North

America, 48(4), 893–907. [Link]

Olumide, T. O., Ajayi, S. A., & Ogunbiyi, H. R. (2021). School food environments and dietary

practices of primary school pupils in Lagos. Nigerian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics,

32(1), 78–85.
Onyema, I. C., Umeh, J. E., & Oduguwa, T. O. (2020). Dietary habits and the rising trend of

childhood obesity in urban Nigerian communities. West African Journal of Nutrition, 26(3),

91–101.

World Health Organization (WHO). (2017). School policy framework: Implementation of the

WHO global strategy on diet, physical activity and health. Geneva: WHO Press.

[Link]