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The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is about four times higher among individuals with same-sex orientation as against the general population. This may be partly due to judgmental, heteronormative attitudes among health workers, thereby affecting access to care. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to assess the perception of final-year medical students of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria on sexual orientation and its implications on access to HIV care and support services.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among final-year medical students. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 20. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Participation was fully voluntary.

More males (70 percent) were aware of the concept of sexual orientation than females (60.4 percent). Most (94 percent) males and all female respondents felt homosexuality was against the order of nature. More males (76 percent) than females (62.3 percent) felt men having sex with men and homosexuality were synonymous. More females (50.9 percent) than males (48 percent) felt gay doctors should not be employed in public hospitals.

Respondents had a poor perception of sexual orientation and there were no significant differences between genders. This could contribute to existing stigmatization against individuals with minority sexual orientations. It should be addressed in the medical curriculum.

Nutrition is a widely known determinant of health and well-being of individuals. Adequate nutrition is dependent on food availability and optimal dietary intake. Rural communities are known to be disadvantaged in comparison with their urban counterparts This study therefore assessed food security and dietary diversity among adults in a rural community in Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Data for the cross-sectional study were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20. The relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Participation was fully voluntary.

The mean age of respondents was 46.7 ± 19.0 years. Only 43.6 per cent of the respondents were food secure; 43.4 per cent were severely food insecure; 30.3 per cent were moderately food insecure, while 26.3 per cent were mildly food insecure. Low dietary diversity was reported among 55.2 per cent of respondents; 41.0 per cent had medium dietary diversity, while 3.8 per cent had high dietary diversity.

This study was entirely quantitative and facility-based, so could not explore some themes to a greater depth. It however adds to the body of knowledge on dietary diversity and food security among patients accessing primary care services at Ode-Remo and its health implications.

Food security among respondents was low and dietary diversity was sub-optimal, a risk factor for both hidden hunger and multi-nutrient under-nutrition. Dietary diversity was significantly different between food secure and food insecure respondents. Community-directed efforts at improving residents’ food security status and dietary diversification efforts will be most appropriate and sustainable, thereby promoting self-reliance and wellbeing.

The rising incidence of non-communicable diseases in the developing world has remained a cause of concern for health workers. Childhood and adolescent obesity is on the increase as a result of several issues including dietary habits. This paper aims to assess the pattern of snacking and sweetened beverage consumption among in-school adolescents in Sagamu, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 620 in-school adolescents, selected via multi-stage sampling, using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, with p < 0.05.Participation was fully voluntary and strict confidentiality ensured.

All respondents consumed sugar-sweetened beverages, at different regularity; 78.5 per cent preferred carbonated drinks; 44.2 per cent consumed energy drinks, with a significant difference between males and females regarding the pattern of consumption of sweetened beverages (p = 0.042) and reasons for the choice of drinks (p = 0.009). Almost all (95.3 per cent) respondents snacked at varying frequencies, with more women (97.2 per cent) snacking than men (p = 0.008). Over 51.7 per cent of respondents snacked daily with no significant difference (p = 0.147) between males and females respondents regarding frequency of snacking. Pies and pastries were most frequently consumed. There was a significant difference (p = 0.007) between the preferences of male and female respondents.

The consumption of refined sugars was high among respondents, indicating presence of unhealthy dietary habits. Concerted efforts at nutrition education through the school system should be made to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among adolescents.