Evaluating the Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Dietary Choices and Nutritional Status of Adults in Selected Urban and Rural Communities in Ekiti State

Introduction: Adults in Nigeria face a growing nutrition challenge: while some struggle with undernutrition, others are increasingly affected by overweight and obesity. This double burden of malnutrition reflects socioeconomic divides, where income, education, and household conditions shape food choices and health. This study examined how socioeconomic factors influence dietary diversity, nutritional knowledge, and nutritional status among adults in urban and rural communities of Ekiti State. Methods and Analysis: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 adults selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Dietary diversity was assessed using food group frequency, and nutritional status was determined by BMI. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Significant urban-rural divides were identified: urban respondents were more educated (48.8% tertiary), while rural households were more dependent on farming (35.0%) and low-income (62.0% <70,000). Dietary patterns differed significantly: urban diets favored legumes (58.4%) and cereals (56.0%), while rural diets predominated in sugar/honey (90.0%) and roots/tubers (71.0%). Nutritional knowledge was higher in urban areas. Nutritional status revealed a dual burden: 20.4% of urban and 22.0% of rural respondents were underweight, while combined overweight/obesity affected 18.4% of urban and 25.0% of rural participants. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors strongly dictate dietary choices and health in Ekiti State. Urban areas show greater diversity but rising obesity risks, while rural areas face persistent undernutrition. These findings highlight the need for tailored, state-specific interventions addressing both food insecurity and emerging diet-related chronic disease risks. Keywords: Socioeconomic factors, Dietary diversity, Nutritional knowledge, Double burden of malnutrition, Ekiti State, Nigeria.