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Abstract
Fast-food consumption is rising among young adults in Nigerian tertiary institutions, yet evidence from colleges of education, which train the teachers who will shape the dietary knowledge of future pupils, remains thin. This study examined the trend and pattern of fast-food consumption among students of Enugu State College of Education (Technical), Enugu, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used. A sample of 361 students was drawn by proportionate stratified random sampling, and 342 correctly completed questionnaires (Cronbach's α = .82) were analysed with frequencies, percentages, means, and the chi-square test at the .05 level. Of the students, 95.9% consumed fast food and 56.4% did so three or more times a week. Instant noodles (82.6%), meat pies and pastries (75.0%), carbonated soft drinks (72.9%), and restaurant-prepared rice dishes (65.2%) were the most common items. Fast food most often replaced breakfast (40.2%) and lunch (36.9%). Intake had increased since admission for 57.0% of consumers, and frequent consumption rose from 45.2% in the first year to 68.9% in the final year. Convenience, academic workload, and taste were the strongest drivers. Frequent consumption was associated with gender, level of study, and place of residence. Campus nutrition education, vendor regulation, and affordable healthy meals are recommended.