ABSTRACT
This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns of 125 nutrition students in 2011, from public university in Bahia State, Brazil. The students answered a structured and validated questionnaire for this specific group that addressed socioeconomic and health aspects, family Information, and food consumption. Dietary patterns were determined using factor analysis by principal components analysis. The mean age was 22.3 (SD: 3.75) years old. The majority (88%) of students were female. In relation to the dietary patterns of the students, 4 groups were identified and these patterns explained 59.8% of the total dietary variability. The pattern number 1, entitled "Traditional", consisted ofroots/tubers, legumes, dairyproducts, meat and eggs, fruit/natural juice and vegetables, and explained 21.53% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 2, labeled "Exam Days" was made up of breads/cereals, sausages and artificial beverage accounted for 13.85% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 3, entitled "End of Semester" was characterized predo-minantly by candy/sugar and snacks and represented 13.39% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 4, labeled "Anxiety" which was made up of coffee/tea and fats, explained 11.08% of the variation of food consumption. It was observed that 38.1% of the students have inadequate food consumption because they are monotonous, and poor sources of fiber and vitamins.
Estudio transversal que tuvo por objetivo identificar los patrones alimentarios de 125 estudiantes de nutrición de una universidad pública del estado de Bahía, Brasil en el 2011. Los estudiantes respondieron un cuestionario validado para frecuencia de consumo de alimentos. Se empleo análisis factoriales para los componentes principales con el fin de identificar los principales patrones alimentarios de esos estudiantes. La media de edad fue de 22,3 años (DP=3,75). En relación a los patrones alimentarios fueron identificados cuatro patrones de consumo alimentario que explican 59,8% de la variabilidad total de la dieta. El patrón 1, nombrado "tradicional", compuesto por tubérculos, leguminosas, derivados lácteos, carnes e huevos, frutas en jugo/natural y hortalizas explicó 21,53% de la variabilidad; el patrón 2, nombrado "Días de prueba" integrado por panes/cereales, bebidas artificiales y embutidos respondió 13,85% de la variabilidad; el patrón 3, "Final de Semestre" fueron predominantes los dulces/azúcar y aperitivos este representó 13,39% de la variabilidad del consumo de alimentos: y el patrón 4 "Ansiedad" compuesto por café/te y grasas explicó 11,08% de la variación. Se observó que 38,1% de la variación del consumo de alimentos es representado por patrones de consumo de alimentos considerados inadecuados, pues son monótonos y pobres en fibra y vitaminas.