Contribution of Snacks to Energy and Nutrient Intake of Undergraduates in a Nigerian University

Introduction: The caloric contribution from snacks is a growing public health concern. University students tend to depend on snacks rather than consuming foods of high nutritional value. This study was aimed at assessing contribution of snacks to nutrient intake of undergraduates. Methods: A validated questionnaire was distributed to 200 purposively selected undergraduates (106 males and 94 females), aged between 16 and 25 years, of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike Abia State, Nigeria. The survey included questions regarding personal characteristics and dietary habits. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry. Dietary intake was by 24-hour recall for two consecutive days including a weekend day. Descriptive statistics and student test were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The commonly consumed snacks were pastries (35%), biscuits (32.5%) and cakes (16.5%), while carbonated (69%) and malt (23%) drinks were their favourite. Many of them skipped meals especially breakfast (41.5%) mainly due to lack of time (34.0%). Males had a significantly higher energy intake (2819.0kcal) than females (2051.0kcal) (p<0.05). Snacks contributed 85.7% and 87.7%, 41.8% and 41.7%, and 55.9% and 50.6% to energy, protein and fat intake of males and females respectively. In terms of iron, calcium and vitamin C intakes, snacks contributed 55.9% and 58.3%, 27.4% and 40.0% and 61.5% and 70.4% for males and females, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.5% and 4.0% for males and females, respectively. Conclusion: Energy contribution from snacks represented a large percentage of total calorie intake of the students. Nutritional education should be provided to enable students make healthy food choices.

Survey and research on sensory learning style of undergraduates from different specialties in military medical university / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To analyze the influence of professional factor on sensory learning style of military medical university undergraduates to put basis for search effective teaching and studying strategies. Methods Taking one military medical university for example, the undergraduates in all specialties were surveyed with VARK 7.0 version on the quantity of tendencies of their sensory learn-ing styles, the distributions and strengths on condition of single style. Results ①There were statistical significances (χ2=134.916,P=0.029) in the types of sensory learning style of students from different specialties. In those with single learning orientation, the percentage was the highest in the Biotechnology Specialty (54.5%) and Nursing Specialty (49.2%), while in those with quadruple ones, the percentage was the highest in the Pharmacy Specialty (37.2%) and Chinese medical science specialty (35.3%). ②There were no statistical significance (χ2=20.372,P=0.119) in the intensity of single learning orienta-tion among different specialties. ③There were no statistical significances (χ2=26.587,P=0.185) in the type distribution of single learning orientation among different specialties. Conclusion The learning style type of sensory learning style of military medical university undergraduates were influenced by professional factors, while single learning style type distribution and the strength were not influenced by professional factors.

Research on Suicide Attempts and Suicide Attitude Status of Medical University Undergraduates-to Take Kunming Medical University as an Example / 昆明医科大学学报

Objectives To study the suicide attempts and suicide attitude status and the characteristics of Medical University undergraduates, provide specific recommendations for mental health education and counseling. Methods The investigation was conducted among 567 undergraduates and 130 graduate students in Kunming Medical University with Self-designed Suicide Attempts Investigation and Suicide Attitude Questionnaire (QSA), and the results of different groups were compared. Results 14.46%undergraduates had suicidal ideation, 4.23%undergraduates had suicide attempts, but there were no significant different between female and male. The suicide attitude in general was contradictory and neutral. Sex,academic qualification,grade, family location and economic status variables had influence on suicide attitude. Conclusions Although the medical university undergraduates disapproved of the suicidal behavior, but it still reflected the pursuit and respect for the humanistic concern and value of life to a certain extent.Suicidal attitude had significant different in demographic variables.

Current reading behaviors of university undergraduates in China / 中华医学图书情报杂志

The effects of external factors, internal factors and behavior outcomes on reading behaviors of university undergraduates in China and the role of library in their reading were analyzed with the associated problems pointed out and suggestions proposed for their solution.

Research on study attitudes of military medical university undergraduates / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To research on study attitudes of military medical university undergraduates. Methods The study attitudes of all the undergraduates were investigated and compared in different sorts by using homemade questionnaires. Results The general study attitudes of military medical university undergraduates were good. The undergraduates of different grades had not different study attitudes, neither did the undergraduates of different ages. The undergraduates of different sorts had different attitudes, so did the undergraduates of different genders and different specialties. Concretely, the undergraduates not recruited by Army, the men undergraduates, the undergraduates of long academic-year program and five-year military medico have better study attitudes. Conclusion The general study attitudes of military medical university undergraduates were good but there is still some space to boost. All sorts of steps should be taken to correct their study attitudes and advance their study effects.