Eating habits of young university students

Background:Many university students practice unhealthful lifestyles, placing them at risk for developing serious problems. Unhealthy dietary behavior is one of six top health risk behavior identified in university students. This study was to examine eating habits of young university students. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 225 participants that who were University of Mohaghegh Ardabili students aged 18-24 years. A self administered questionnaire was used to obtain data about consumption frequency of some food and demographic characteristics. Results: The mean of age and body mass index were 21.31±3.23 years and 22.73±3.66 Kg/m² respectively. 68.9% of university students reported having breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Daily milk or yoghurt intake was 12.5%. Also 39.5% of participants reported consuming less than 200 gram vegetable and fruit every day. 59% had consumption of biscuits, cakes, chocolates and similar 2 or more times weekly and 50.3% had potato chips consumption at least once weekly.Conclusion: Most university students consume a diet that is lacking in fruits, vegetable and dairy products. Because the establishment of healthy eating behavior can have a long lasting impact on the students’ health and the health their future families, therefore nutritional education and intervention in this young population should be encouraged to promote healthier diet.

Keywords:

University students , eating habits , University of Mohaghegh Ardabili