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Schramlová M, Řasová K, Jonsdottir J, Pavlíková M, Rambousková J, Äijö M, Šlachtová M, Kobesová A, Žiaková E, Kahraman T, Pavlů D, Bermejo-Gil BM, Bakalidou D, Billis E, Georgios P, Alves-Guerreiro J, Strimpakos N, Příhoda A, Kiviluoma-Ylitalo M, Lähteenmäki ML, Koišová J, Berisha G, Hagovská M, Arca AL, Cortés-Amador S. Quality of life and quality of education among physiotherapy students in Europe. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1344028. [PMID: 38482532 PMCID: PMC10936755 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1344028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The study of physiotherapy is challenging and can affect the students' well-being and quality of life. The aim of this study was to describe and compare factors that could affect well-being among students across Europe. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire survey, students of bachelor's physiotherapy programs from 23 European faculties, from 8 countries, were interviewed on mental health and stress burden, sleep quality, dietary habits, and physical activity. Results Although 75% of students rated their quality of life positively and 47% were satisfied with their mental health, 65% showed higher levels of stress and 51% described impaired sleep quality. The minimum physical activity of 150 min weekly was described by 79% of students, within which 67% engaged in strengthening twice a week. Students with a higher stress load/worse psychological health also showed worse sleep quality and lower amount of physical activity, women were significantly worse off. In terms of physical activity and sleep quality, students from Finland and Kosovo achieved the best results, while students from Italy, Greece, and Portugal achieved the worst. Students from Italy indicated the greatest dissatisfaction with the organisation of the study system and communication with teachers, while in Kosovo students rated the communication and study organisation the highest. All students had a problem with adhering to nutritional habits. Students from Italy and Spain, with the lowest body mass indexes and weight averages, were closest to the nutrition recommendations. Conclusion We demonstrated that physiotherapy students are burdened with stress, suffer from sleep disorders, and do not follow the recommendations regarding nutrition nor physical activity. There are significant differences between universities and countries in some aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schramlová
- Department of Rehabilitation, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kamila Řasová
- Department of Rehabilitation, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Markéta Pavlíková
- Department of Rehabilitation, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jolana Rambousková
- Department of Hygiene, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marja Äijö
- Savonia University of Applied Sciences School of Health Care, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Martina Šlachtová
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Alena Kobesová
- Department of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czechia
| | - Elena Žiaková
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty Nursing and Professional Health Studies, Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Turhan Kahraman
- Department of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Dagmar Pavlů
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Beatriz María Bermejo-Gil
- Department of Nursery and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery and Physiotherapy, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Daphne Bakalidou
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular and Cardiovascular Study of Motion (Lanecasm), Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, Egaleo, Greece
| | - Evdokia Billis
- Department of Physiotherapy School of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Patras, Aigio, Greece
| | - Papagiannis Georgios
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, University of the Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece
| | - José Alves-Guerreiro
- Center for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), School of Health Sciences (ESSLei) Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Strimpakos
- Health Assessment and Quality of Life Lab Department of Physiotherapy, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Aleš Příhoda
- Department of Health Care Disciplines and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | | | | | - Jana Koišová
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Trnava, Slovakia
| | | | - Magdalena Hagovská
- Department of Physiatry, Balneology, and Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, PJ Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Anna Laura Arca
- Coordinator of Physiotherapist School Traineeship AOU, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Cortés-Amador
- Physiotherapy in Motion, Multispecialty Research Group (PTinMOTION), Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia Gascó Oliag n Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Almoraie NM, Alothmani NM, Alomari WD, Al-Amoudi AH. Addressing nutritional issues and eating behaviours among university students: a narrative review. Nutr Res Rev 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38356364 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422424000088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
University life is a critical period for establishing healthy eating habits and attitudes. However, university students are at risk of developing poor eating habits due to various factors, including economic conditions, academic stress and lack of information about nutritional concepts. Poor diet quality leads to malnutrition or overnutrition, increasing the risk of preventable diseases. Food environments on university campuses also play a significant role in shaping the dietary habits of students, with the availability of and accessibility to healthy food options being important factors influencing food choices and overall diet quality. Disordered eating habits and body dissatisfaction are prevalent among university students and can lead to eating disorders. Income and living arrangements also influence dietary habits, with low household income and living alone being associated with unhealthy eating habits. This study is a narrative review that aimed to address nutritional issues and eating behaviours, specifically among university students. We investigated the eating behaviours of university students, including their dietary patterns, food choices and food environments. The objective of this review was to provide insights into the nutritional issues and eating behaviours of university students, with the aim of identifying target areas for intervention to improve the overall health and wellbeing among college students. University food environments need to be restructured to promote healthy eating, including the availability, accessibility, affordability and labelling of healthy foods, and policies to limit the availability of unhealthy foods and drinks on campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Almoraie
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noor M Alothmani
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wajd D Alomari
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H Al-Amoudi
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Faculty of Human Sciences and Design, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Vári B, Győri F, Katona Z, Berki T. The Impact of Age and Body Composition on Bone Density among Office Worker Women in Hungary. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5976. [PMID: 37297580 PMCID: PMC10252181 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study's aim was to investigate bone condition and see its associations with body composition and age among office worker women in Hungary. In total, 316 individuals participated in this study from Csongrad-Csanad county in 2019. Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 62, with a mean of 41 years. A questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic information, whereas body composition was measured using the Inbody 230, and bone density and bone quality were measured with the SONOST 3000 ultrasound device. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test, correlation analysis, and an independent sample t-test. The results show that Body Fat Mass, Body Mass Index, Obesity Degree, and Percent Body Fat increase significantly as age increases, and Bone Quality Index and t-score decrease substantially. Furthermore, Bone Density and Bone Quality Index were positively influenced by most components of body composition. The differences between normal and osteopenia bone quality showed that Basal Metabolic Rate, Bone Mineral Content, Fat-Free Mass, Mineral Mass, Skeletal Lean Mass, and Skeletal Muscle Mass were lower in participants with osteopenia. Our results provide more evidence of the effects of body composition and age on bone density and quality. It was the first study in Hungary investigating this phenomenon, which could be useful for professionals and researchers who intend to understand the associations of bone density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Vári
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (B.V.)
- Doctoral School of Health Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Győri
- Institute of Physiotherapy and Sports Science, Faculty of Health Science, University of Pécs, 7621 Pécs, Hungary
- Sports Science Research Group, Research Institute, Gál Ferenc University, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Katona
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (B.V.)
| | - Tamás Berki
- Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, Faculty of Education, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary; (B.V.)
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Gil M, Rudy M, Stanisławczyk R, Duma-Kocan P, Żurek J. Gender Differences in Eating Habits of Polish Young Adults Aged 20-26. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15280. [PMID: 36429998 PMCID: PMC9690896 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the nutritional behaviour of young adults depending on gender. A survey was conducted among 467 young adults using the "Questionnaire for the study of nutritional behaviour and opinions on food and nutrition". Questions concerned the frequency of consumption of selected groups of food products. The questionnaire was supplemented by questions regarding the number of portions of fruits and vegetables consumed, putting sugar in drinks, putting salt in dishes and the number of glasses of water drunk. Differences in nutritional behaviours were determined using the χ2 test, at p < 0.05. The dietary choices of women more often than those of men corresponded to the principles of healthy nutrition, related to a greater number of meals consumed during the day, more frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables and the selection of products with lower energy value or preferring healthier methods of culinary processing. Health education programs should prevent the emergence of unfavourable dietary habits such as skipping breakfast or other meals or limiting the consumption of fruits and vegetables and frequently replacing them with high-energy snacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Gil
- Department of Agricultural Processing and Commodity Science, Institute of Food and Nutrition Technology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Mariusz Rudy
- Department of Agricultural Processing and Commodity Science, Institute of Food and Nutrition Technology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Renata Stanisławczyk
- Department of Agricultural Processing and Commodity Science, Institute of Food and Nutrition Technology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Paulina Duma-Kocan
- Department of Agricultural Processing and Commodity Science, Institute of Food and Nutrition Technology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Jagoda Żurek
- Department of Financial Markets and Public Finance, Institute of Economics and Finance, College of Social Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Cwiklinskiej 2, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
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Detopoulou P, Dedes V, Syka D, Tzirogiannis K, Panoutsopoulos GI. Mediterranean Diet, a Posteriori Dietary Patterns, Time-Related Meal Patterns and Adiposity: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in University Students. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10030064. [PMID: 36135220 PMCID: PMC9497476 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10030064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transition to university is connected to potentially obesogenic dietary changes. Our aim was to assess the relation of Mediterranean diet adherence, and a posteriori dietary and meal patterns with adiposity in Greek students at the University of the Peloponnese. A total of 346 students (269 women) participated. Anthropometry was performed, and a food frequency questionnaire was administered. The MedDietScore was higher in women and was not linearly related to adiposity. Principal component analysis revealed six patterns: (1) legumes/vegetables/fruits/tea/dairy/whole grains, (2) juice/sodas/liquid calories, (3) olive oil/fats, (4) meat/poultry/fish, (5) alcohol/eggs/dairy and (6) fast foods/sweets. Patterns 4 and 6 were related to overweight/obesity probability (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.995-2.538 and OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.07-6.06, respectively) and higher waist circumference (men). Men "early eaters" (breakfast/morning/afternoon snack) had a higher MedDietScore and lower overweight probability (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.220-1.020). Poor meal and dietary patterns relate to overweight and central obesity, which is important for targeted health promotion programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Detopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, New Building, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, General Hospital Korgialenio Benakio, Athanassaki 2, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Vassilis Dedes
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, New Building, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | - Dimitra Syka
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, New Building, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
| | | | - Georgios I. Panoutsopoulos
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, New Building, 24100 Kalamata, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Martin HR, Pufal DA, Stephenson J. Assessment of energy and nutrient intakes among undergraduate students attending a University in the North of England. Nutr Health 2022:2601060221096932. [PMID: 35726201 DOI: 10.1177/02601060221096932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Unhealthy diets are typical of university students and are often thought to be unrepresentative of the general population. The main aim was to determine the energy and nutrient intakes of a large cohort of undergraduate university students; and to compare to gender-specific dietary reference values (DRVs) and nutrient data from the general population. Methodology: Data was collected from 639 university students aged 18-24 years who completed 4-day diet diaries. The energy and nutrient intake was determined and percentage energy values calculated and compared with dietary reference values (DRVs) and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and Family Food Statistics. Logistic regression methods were used to identify micronutrients functioning as predictors of exceeding DRVs. Results: Energy intakes were lower than the DRV. The percentage total energy values for protein, fat, saturated fat and carbohydrate exceeded DRVs but the percentage energy from alcohol was below the maximum 5%. The DRVs were met for vitamin C, thiamin, and sodium/salt. Iron and calcium intakes were met in males but not in females. Intakes for fibre and vitamin A were below the DRV. Student data was comparable to the NDNS, with the exception of alcohol, fibre, vitamin A, calcium and sodium/salt, which were all lower than the NDNS. Conclusions: This study contradicts the stereotypical assumption that students are following a high energy, fat, saturated fat, total sugars, salt and alcohol diet compared with the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Martin
- Department of Service Sector Management, 7314Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield, S1 1WB¸ United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- School of Applied Sciences, 218224University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Deborah A Pufal
- School of Human & Health Sciences, 14270University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - John Stephenson
- School of Human & Health Sciences, 14270University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Kaur S, Ming NC, Lli YW, Ai Ni T, Ling CW. Identifying dietary pattern associated with adiposity among Malaysian young adults. MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/mnm-211541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recognizing food groups consumption in young adults offers an opportunity to improve dietary pattern in early adulthood. OBJECTIVE: Hence, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine food groups’ intake of young adults and to identify food groups associated with adiposity. METHODS: Youths aged 18–25 years old from private universities in Klang Valley, Malaysia, participated in the study (n = 294). Three days 24-hour dietary recall assessed youths’ food groups intake. Adiposity (BMI, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, waist circumference) was determined based on standard protocol. Height was measured using SECA 206 body meter, while weight, body fat percentage, and visceral fat level were measured using the Omron HBF-356 Body Fat Analyzer. Waist circumference was determined using a measuring tape. RESULTS: In total, 49.3% and 34.7% of youths were overweight/obese and abdominally obese, respectively. The median visceral fat level was 4 (6). Youths consumed 214 (247) kcal of ultra-processed foods daily and exceeded the sugar [32.43 (41.20) g] and sodium recommendation [2425.26 (1455.18) mg]. Fruits [0.29±0.72 servings/day], vegetables [0.95±0.77 servings/day] and milk [0.24±0.38 servings/day] were below recommendations. Increased intake of meat and sodium were associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and visceral fat (p < 0.001). Greater intake of ultra-processed food was associated with high BMI (p = 0.009), waist circumference (p = 0.046), and visceral fat (p = 0.014). Besides, high sugar intake was associated with greater BMI (p = 0.003), body fat percentage (p = 0.020), and visceral fat (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Meat, sugar, sodium, and ultra-processed foods were high-risk foods associated with adiposity among young adults. There is a need to improve education and support to promote healthy eating for chronic disease prevention related to metabolic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satvinder Kaur
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ng Choon Ming
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, South Lagoon Road, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yap Wern Lli
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Teoh Ai Ni
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chew Wan Ling
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Al-Awwad NJ, Al-Sayyed HF, Zeinah ZA, Tayyem RF. Dietary and lifestyle habits among university students at different academic years. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2021; 44:236-242. [PMID: 34330472 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS College serves as a transitionary period into adulthood where students begin making independent dietary and lifestyle choices and begin forming possibly detrimental habits. Such habits may persist into adulthood and negatively affect their long-term health and risk of disease. This study aimed at exploring the dietary and lifestyle habits among the Hashemite University students at different academic years. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used to study dietary and lifestyle habits as well as the occurrence of obesity among a convenient sample of undergraduate students at the Hashemite University during the academic year 2015-2016. Five hundred and forty students (184 males: 356 females) were enrolled in this study. Bodyweight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated. Personal information, dietary habits and physical activity data were collected using constructed questionnaires. RESULTS Around 36% of the students were overweight and obese. The percentage of overweight among the freshmen was about 31% and 26.5% among the seniors. Additionally, 8.6% of freshmen and 16.3% of seniors were found to be obese. One-third (30.2%) of the study sample was hookah smokers, while 15.4% were cigarette smokers. The students showed similar physical activity levels in the four academic years. The majority of students at different academic levels consumed fruits 1-2 times/week and 5 times cereals, grains, and starchy vegetables/day. CONCLUSION Our results show that approximately one-third of students are overweight or obese, and practicing unhealthy dietary and lifestyle habits. This indicates a need to address this problem, possibly through implementing a nutrition and health education programs at the university in addition to improving the quality of food available on campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmeen Jamal Al-Awwad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa, 13133, Jordan.
| | - Hiba Fathi Al-Sayyed
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, 11196, Jordan.
| | - Zeinah Abu Zeinah
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, P.O. Box 961343, Amman, 11196, Jordan.
| | - Reema Fayez Tayyem
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, P.O.Box: 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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Abstract
Starting university is an important time with respect to dietary changes. This study reports a novel approach to assessing student diet by utilising student-level food transaction data to explore dietary patterns. First-year students living in catered accommodation at the University of Leeds (UK) received pre-credited food cards for use in university catering facilities. Food card transaction data were obtained for semester 1, 2016 and linked with student age and sex. k-Means cluster analysis was applied to the transaction data to identify clusters of food purchasing behaviours. Differences in demographic and behavioural characteristics across clusters were examined using χ2 tests. The semester was divided into three time periods to explore longitudinal changes in purchasing patterns. Seven dietary clusters were identified: 'Vegetarian', 'Omnivores', 'Dieters', 'Dish of the Day', 'Grab-and-Go', 'Carb Lovers' and 'Snackers'. There were statistically significant differences in sex (P < 0·001), with women dominating the Vegetarian and Dieters, age (P = 0·003), with over 20s representing a high proportion of the Omnivores and time of day of transactions (P < 0·001), with Dieters and Snackers purchasing least at breakfast. Many students (n 474, 60·4 %) changed dietary cluster across the semester. This study demonstrates that transactional data present a feasible method for dietary assessment, collecting detailed dietary information over time and at scale, while eliminating participant burden and possible bias from self-selection, observation and attrition. It revealed that student diets are complex and that simplistic measures of diet, focusing on narrow food groups in isolation, are unlikely to adequately capture dietary behaviours.
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Kyrkou C, Tsakoumaki F, Fotiou M, Dimitropoulou A, Symeonidou M, Menexes G, Biliaderis CG, Michaelidou AM. Changing Trends in Nutritional Behavior among University Students in Greece, between 2006 and 2016. Nutrients 2018; 10:E64. [PMID: 29320449 PMCID: PMC5793292 DOI: 10.3390/nu10010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present survey was to study the dietary behavior of university students residing away from the family home. In this context, we (a) compared their dietary habits in two time periods, namely 2006 and 2016; and (b) explored the possible impact of gender on the behavioral changes in nutritional choices. A total of four hundred and five university students (2006, n = 242; 2016, n = 163) participated in the study. Dietary assessment was carried out using a qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, while data about demographic and lifestyle factors were also collected. Students' dietary habits have been modified in a generally desirable direction, as reflected, e.g., in the elevated consumption of several plant-based foods. Gender was also significantly associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and changes in dietary attitudes. Possible reasons for the transition towards healthier and more balanced dietary habits could involve the budgetary constraints facing Greece in the last decade, as well as increasing nutritional awareness and other socio-cultural factors characterizing this target group. A deeper understanding of these relations would be crucial to foster nutritional education and further enhance the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charikleia Kyrkou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Foteini Tsakoumaki
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Maria Fotiou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Aristea Dimitropoulou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Maria Symeonidou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Georgios Menexes
- Department of Field Crops and Ecology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Costas G Biliaderis
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Alexandra-Maria Michaelidou
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece.
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