When Campus Feeds the Clock: How the University Food Environment Shapes the Circadian Rhythms of Undergraduate Students at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo

The study examined the influence of the university food environment on circadian eating patterns among 302 students at the University of Medical Sciences in Ondo, Nigeria. The mean age of respondents was 20.03 years, with the majority being female (68.9%). Students perceived the university food environment as moderate, with food affordability being the weakest domain (mean 2.65) and food promotion the strongest (3.27). Most respondents (71.9%) exhibited moderate circadian eating patterns, while 21.2% had poor patterns. The study found a significant association between the food environment and circadian eating patterns. Poor physical food accessibility and weak food policy environment were independent predictors of poor circadian eating patterns. Circadian eating patterns were also significantly associated with BMI category. Improving food accessibility on campus and implementing supportive food policies may promote healthier meal timing and better nutritional outcomes.