Author(s): Dr. Molyn Mpofu, Azwidohwi Phillip Kutame, Humbulani Nancy Mutshaeni, Lucy Maliwichi and Dr. Visi Muriel Mbulaheni

Abstract:
Zimbabwe college students face enormous challenges while trying to eat right. This study sought to establish the dietary patterns that are followed by college students in Zimbabwe and possible implications to their health. The study also endeavoured to establish challenges that are faced by college students in making choices of dietary patterns that promote good health. A quantitative approach was employed. The study was carried out at a Polytechnic College in Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe which is comprised of the Department of Technical Education and the Department of Teacher Education. The population of the study was 500 students from the Department of Teacher Education and a sample of 100 respondents was purposely selected. Questionnaires were used as methods of collecting data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0. Findings of the study indicated that factors that influenced choice of dietary patterns for college students under study were; type of daily meals provided by the college; lack of time to prepare breakfast, insufficient funds to buy enough food supplies, low daily meal consumption frequency; having meals only when hungry and eating less in order to lose weight. The study concluded that students were having unplanned food consumption patterns which could lead to malnutrition and ill-health. This study recommends that every institution that provides food to students should have either a dietician or nutritionist to design a programme that promotes good dietary patterns and health to college students.