Understanding barriers towards the use of food labels among Saudi female college students

@#Introduction: A food label is an important tool that provides nutritional information which influences consumers by promoting awareness on their diet and improving health status. This study aimed to assess nutrition knowledge level, food label usage, and the barriers that hinder the use of food labels among students in Health Colleges at the Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Health College students at PNU in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). A total of 572 participants were interviewed through a validated questionnaire on social demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge level, food label use, and barriers that hinder food label use. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 21), with statistical significance set at p-value <0.05. Results: Only 27.4% of the participants stated that they always or usually use food labels when purchasing food products. Majority of the participants (59.4%) had moderate nutrition knowledge. Factors significantly associated to food label use were nutrition knowledge (R2=0.21), attitude towards health value of the products (R2=0.35), and taste (R2=-0.22). About 41.0% of the participants indicated that time constraint was the main barrier for not using food labels, followed by no interest (31.3%), no need (27.8%), and difficult to use (24.8%). Conclusion: This study found that food label use was low among the participants. Nutrition knowledge supported food label use while time constraint was the main barrier that hindered the use of food label among them. Raising students’ nutrition knowledge level through nutrition education programmes could promote food label use.

The intensities of various forms of physical activity in physical education programs offered by universities for female students

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various forms of physical activity (PA) among female students in physical education (PE) programs offered by universities in Poland, Hungary, and the United Kingdom. Methods: Two hundred full-time female university students (mean age: 19.93±0.82) enrolled in various PA programs. The participants' anthropometric traits were measured, and their body composition parameters were determined with the InBody analyzer. Based on the students' physiological parameters, the effectiveness of various types of PA was measured with Suunto Ambit3 peak heart rate monitors during 60 minutes of physical exertion. Results: The average values of body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), percent body fat (PBF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), visceral fat level (VFL), and obesity degree were significantly (p<0.05) lower among students who participated in jogging followed by sauna (JFBS), performed martial arts and attended general physical education (PE) classes. Physiological parameters were the highest in the martial art group, followed by JFBS and swimming groups, and they were significantly (p<0.05) higher than the values recorded in other PA groups (golf, aerobics, general PE classes, cycling, and individual training). Physiological parameters were significantly (p<0.05) lower among students who played golf and trained individually. Conclusions: Martial arts, JFBS, and swimming were the most effective types of PA among female university students. Students performing martial arts and JFBS had relatively lower body fat levels, whereas students who practiced swimming had the highest body fat levels in the population sample.

The Relationship between Problematic Alcohol Use and Depressive Symptoms among Female University Students: Moderating Effect of the Satisfaction with Life and Happiness / 우울ㆍ조울병

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of problem drinking among female university students, and also aims to identify whether satisfaction with life and happiness moderate the relationship between problem drinking and depressive symptoms in this population.METHODS: A stratified clustered sample of 1,267 female university students were recruited in a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographic characteristics, as well as questions about problem drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders of Identification Test, AUDIT), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), satisfaction with life (Satisfaction with Life Scale, SWLS) and happiness (Positive Psychotherapy Inventory, PPTI).RESULTS: The prevalence of problem drinking among the female university students that participated in the survey was 38.5%. By moderated regression analysis, happiness showed a moderating effect between problem drinking and depressive symptoms (β=−0.248, p < 0.01). However, the moderating effect of satisfaction with life was not significant (β=−0.095, p=0.215).CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a positive psychology-based program for female university students with problem drinking may be useful for the alleviation of depressive symptoms.

Comparative study of running and badminton exercise on bone mineral density and related biochemistry marks in female university students / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the differences of 10-week running and badminton exercise on bone mineral density(BMD) and related biochemistry markers in female university student.Methods Sixty healthy female university students were randomly divided into running(R) group,badminton(B) group and control group.Apart from basic physical education class,the R and B group participated in running and badminton exercise respectively(30-40 min per time,3 times per week,10 weeks).Before and after test,the BMD of lumbar vertebra and femurs,the serum level of estradiol(E2) and testosterone(T),the serum level of alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase(TRACP) were all detected.Results After test,there were no significant difference on BMD in all parameters of the three groups(P>0.05).After test,the serum level of E2 and TRACP in R group were significant higher than those in control group(t=-3.351,t=-0.854,P<0.05),the serum level of Ca was significant lower than that in control group(t=-1.852,P<0.05).Comparison between before test and after test,the serum level of E2 and P increased significantly in R group(P<0.05),while the serum level of TRACP decreased significantly(P<0.05),the serum level of P and Ca increased in the three groups(P<0.05),while no differences were seen in the other parameters.Conclusion The effects of running exercise on serum level of E2 and TRACP were higher than badminton exercise.

Assessment of Physical Activity Pattern, Activity Coefficient, Basal Metabolic Rate and Daily Energy Expenditure in Female University Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study was conducted to investigate the physical activity pattern, activity coefficient, basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure of female university students. One-day activity diaries were collected from 95 female university students in Seoul. Body composition was measured by Inbody 720. Subjects spent 7 hr 8min on sleeping, 6 hr 31min on studying, 2 hr 50min on physiological activity, 2 hr 3min on leisure, 2 hr 2min on walking and jogging, 1 hr 58 min on commuting and 22min on house chores. The activity coefficient of these subjects was 1.58. The comparison of body composition of subjects according to PAL showed that body weight, body fat mass, arm circumference and arm muscle circumference of physically active group were significantly higher than those of the sedentary group. BMR calculated by Harris-Benedict (H-B) formula and DRI formula and BMR measured by Inbody 720 was 1375 kcal, 1306 kcal and 1209 kcal, respectively. Total energy expenditure (TEE) examined by one-day activity diaries and calculated by H-B formula and estimated energy requirement (EER) formula in DRI was 2102.1 kcal, 2184.4 kcal, and 2164.5 kcal, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between TEE examined by one-day activity diaries and H-B TEE was 0.795 (p < 0.001) while that between TEE examined and DRI EER was 0.604 (p < 0.001). Overall data indicated that female university students seemed to be less active. Therefore it is recommended that universities develop good exercise programs for their students. Further studies are needed to generate more meaningful results with a larger sample size and using machine attached to the body, which are able to detect physical activity more accurately.

Comparison of eating attitudes among university students from the five Brazilian regions / Comparação das Atitudes Alimentares entre universitárias das cinco regiões brasileiras

Eating attitudes can be defined as beliefs, thoughts, feelings, behavior and relationship with food. They can influence people's food choices and health status. The scope of this paper is to compare eating attitudes of university students from different regions of Brazil and investigate possible associations and correlations with nutritional status, age, individual income and parental education. 2489 female university students in the area of health answered the Eating Attitude Scale - evaluated by total score and 5 sub-scores. The eating attitudes were compared by means of an analysis of covariance. A logistic regression was conducted to evaluate which variables were associated to the scale score. The Northeast presented more restrictive and compensatory practices and the North and Northeast presented less positive feelings about food and worse ideas about normal eating. The score on the scale did not present strong correlation with any of the variables studied, but nutritional status and age were associated with the total score. The profile of university students was similar among regions with the worst response in the North and Northeast regions. It is believed that these data could help to elucidate dietary patterns and nutritional differences among groups.

Atitudes alimentares são crenças, pensamentos, sentimentos, comportamentos e relacionamento com os alimentos e influenciam as escolhas alimentares e a saúde dos indivíduos. Objetivo: comparar atitudes alimentares de universitárias brasileiras das cinco regiões do país e avaliar associações e correlações com o estado nutricional, curso, idade, renda e escolaridade do chefe da família. Métodos: 2489 universitárias do sexo feminino de cursos da área da saúde responderam à Escala de Atitudes Alimentares - analisada em escore total e suas 5 subescalas. As respostas foram comparadas por região através da análise de covariância. Uma regressão logística foi realizada para avaliar quais variáveis estavam associadas à pontuação da escala. Resultados: a região Nordeste apresentou mais práticas restritivas e compensatórias e as regiões Norte e Nordeste menos sentimentos positivos em relação à alimentação e os piores conceitos sobre alimentação normal. Os escores não apresentaram forte correlação com as variáveis estudadas; mas o estado nutricional e a idade tiveram associação com a pontuação total. Conclusão: As atitudes alimentares de universitárias foram similares entre as regiões, com pior resposta na região Norte e Nordeste. Estes resultados podem ajudar a elucidar padrões dietéticos e diferenças nutricionais entre regiões do país.

Vitamin A Intakes and Food Sources of Vitamin A in Female University Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to estimate the daily intake of vitamin A in Korean female university students. Vitamin A intake was estimated using an inconsecutive 3-day dietary intake survey from 481 young women. Vitamin A intake values were calculated based on the data in USDA database. Average age, height, and weight of the subjects were 20.05 years, 162.13 cm and 54.38 kg, respectively. The subject's average intake of energy was 1645.67 kcal. The mean vitamin A, retinol and beta carotene intakes were 908.35 +/- 863.18 ug retinol equivalent/day, 199.19 +/- 166.00 ug/day and 3872.59 +/- 4972.17 ug/day, respectively. The 21.83% of the subjects consumed less than the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin A. And subjects consumed 141.69% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for vitamin A. Food groups consumed with high vitamin A content in our subjects included vegetables (423.96 ug RE/day), potato and starches (213.64 ug RE/day), cereals (62.60 ug RE/day), eggs (55.17 ug RE/day) and milks (53.45 ug RE/day). The major food sources of vitamin A were sweet potato, carrot, spinach, egg, and cereal, and the top 30 foods provided 89.57% of total vitamin A. Also animal-derived food provided 9.65% of the vitamin A intake from the top 30 foods. In conclusion, judging from RNI, the vitamin A intake of the Korean female university students in this study was generally adequate. The result of our study may be used as a basis for follow-up studies of vitamin A intake like assessment of vitamin A nutritional status or evaluation of carotenoid food sources in Korean young women.

Evaluation of Dietary Zinc, Copper, Manganese and Selenium Intake in Female University Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study aimed to measure and evaluate the intakes of four antioxidant trace elements, namely, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se in 19-29y-old female university students in Korea. Diet data were collected by 3-day dietary records in 644 subjects. The mean age, height, weight and body mass index of the subjects were 20.08 years, 161.77 cm, 54.26 kg and 20.82 kg/m2, respectively. The mean, median and 25th-75th percentile intakes of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se in the subjects were 12.83 mg (12.40 mg, 9.59 to 15.34), 1.30 mg (1.27 mg, 1.00 to 1.57), 3.19 mg (3.12 mg, 2.45 to 3.86), and 50.90 microg (50.17 microg, 37.59 to 64.35), respectively. The proportion of subjects whose Mn intake was adequate or less was 62.89%, and the proportions of subjects whose Zn, Cu and Se intakes were at the estimated average requirements or less were 10.09, 4.97, and 39.60%, respectively. The major food group for dietary intakes of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se was cereal, providing 8.55 mg (66.60%), 0.78 mg (59.93%), 2.09 mg (65.50%), and 16.83 microg (32.43%), respectively. Many female university students were deficient in Mn and Se compared with the dietary reference intakes. Therefore, except for cereal, it is required to consume a diet consisted of various food sources for increasing the intakes of antioxidant trace minerals, especially animal food groups.

Actual Status of Constipation and Life Factors Affecting Constipation by Diagnosis of Rome in Female University Students in Korea

This study investigated the actual status of constipation. In total, 978 female students in Korea participated. We identified the relationship among constipation and life style, clothing patterns, housing patterns, dietary habits, and dietary intake in a constipation symptom group and a normal group. The actual constipation rate based on the Rome II criteria was 27.0% (n = 264). Body weight (p < 0.05) and body mass index (p < 0.05) in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. The incidence of functional bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in the constipation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group. The discomfort of wearing underwear was significantly higher in the constipation group than that in the normal group. The constipation group revealed a significantly higher rate of irregular dietary habits than those in the normal group. The dietary diversity score of the normal group was 4.22 (p < 0.05), which was significantly higher than that of constipation group (4.12). No significant difference in life style factors was observed. It is necessary for university female students to correct their dietary habits, maintain food intake of three times per day, and select diverse foods. Furthermore, it is necessary for university female students to wear comfortable clothing to lessen symptoms and improve constipation rates.

Dietary Behaviors, Processed Food Preferences and Awareness Levels of Nutrition Labels among Female University Students Living in Middle Region by Breakfast Eating

The purpose of this study was to examine the dietary behaviors, processed food preferences, and awareness levels of nutrition labels among female university students living in middle region by breakfast eating. A total of 243 students (breakfast eating group: 153, breakfast skipping group: 90) were surveyed from April to May of 2011. The results are summarized as follows: Skipping breakfast (SB) group had a significantly higher frequency of skipping lunch and dinner compared with the eating breakfast (EB) group (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively). In the EB group, food labels were identified sometimes (31.8%), frequently (29.1%), and rarely (28.5%). In the SB group, food labels were identified rarely (33.3%), sometimes (27.8%), and frequently (26.7%). The EB group used food labels for comparing price and weight of products more frequently than the SB group (P<0.05). In the EB group, nutrition labels were identified sometimes (38.0%), frequently (28.1%), and rarely (24.8%). In the SB group, nutrition labels were identified rarely (32.6%), sometimes (30.3%), and frequently (21.4%). The EB group used food labels for identifying nutrient contents more often and for weight control more less than the SB group (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). The main reason for not identifying nutrition label of the processed foods was 'not being interested (55.5%)' in the SB group (P<0.05). Therefore, education programs that emphasize the importance of eating breakfast, and reading food and nutrition labels need to be developed for university students.

Eating behavior and body image among psychology students / Comportamento alimentar e imagem corporal entre estudantes de Psicologia

OBJECTIVE: To characterize eating habits and possible risk factors associated with eating disorders among psychology students, a segment at risk for eating disorders. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study. The questionnaires Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and a variety that considers related issues were applied. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.0 was utilized in analysis. The study population was composed of 175 female students, with a mean age of 21.2 (DP ± 3.6 years). RESULTS: A positive result was detected on the EAT-26 for 6.9 percent of the cases (CI95 percent: 3.6-11.7 percent). The prevalence of increased symptoms and intense gravity, according to the BITE questionnaire was 5 percent (CI95 percent: 2.4-9.5 percent) and 2.5 percent (CI95 percent: 0.7-6.3 percent), respectively. According to the findings, 26.29 percent of the students presented abnormal eating behavior. The population with moderate/severe BSQ scores presented dissatisfaction with corporal weight. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that attention must be given to eating behavior risks within this group. A differentiated gaze is justified with respect to these future professionals, whose practice is jeopardized in cases in which they are themselves the bearers of installed symptoms or precursory behavior.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar práticas alimentares e possíveis fatores de risco associados a transtornos do comportamento alimentar entre estudantes de Psicologia, segmento de risco para o surgimento de transtornos alimentares. MÉTODO: Estudo seccional utilizando-se os questionários Bulimic Investigatory Test Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) e Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), utilizando-se, ainda, uma variável que considera os dois primeiros instrumentos associados, sendo a análise feita através do Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 11.0. Foram analisadas 175 estudantes do sexo feminino, com uma média de idade de 21,2 (DP ± 3,6 anos). RESULTADOS: Detectou-se resultado positivo em 6,9 por cento (IC95 por cento: 3,6-11,7 por cento) no EAT-26. No BITE, para sintomas elevados e gravidade intensa, foram encontradas prevalências de 5 por cento (IC95 por cento: 2,4-9,5 por cento) e 2,5 por cento (IC95 por cento: 0,7-6,3 por cento), respectivamente. Constatou-se que 26,29 por cento das estudantes apresentavam comportamento alimentar anormal. A população com escores moderado/serevo no BSQ apresentou insatisfação com o peso corporal. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que se deve atentar para comportamentos alimentares de risco nesse grupo, justificando-se um olhar diferenciado em relação a esses futuros profissionais, cujas práticas ficam comprometidas nos casos em que os mesmos são portadores de síndromes instaladas ou comportamentos precursores.

Inasistencia a la consulta de despistaje de cáncer de cuello uterino en estudiantes universitarias

No disponemos de estudios que reporten la cuantía y razones de la inasistencia de la estudiante universitaria a la consulta de pesquisa del cáncer de cuello uterino.Dada la alta asociación entre el virus del papilomahumano y el cáncer del cuello uterino, nos propusimos determinar la prevalencia de la inasistencia a la consulta de este despistaje en la Universidad de Carabobo, Bárbula, con la participación de 400 estudiantes universitarias, evaluadas entre enero y julio de 2006. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal,encontrando una edad mediana de 21 años y rango intercuartil = 19 y 23 años. El 68 % niega haber acudido a la consulta. El 64 % afirmó haber tenido relaciones sexuales y el 54 % afirma conocer que es una citología cervical exfoliativa. Concluimos que la prevalencia de la inasistencia a la consulta de despistaje de cáncer de cuello uterino fue elevada. Existe una falta de información clara y adecuada sobre la importancia de esta prueba en las mujeres de dicha comunidad. Las entrevistadas formulan propuestas para incrementar la asistencia a la consulta ad hoc.

There are not studies of the quantity and reasons of the non attendance by the female univerisity students to the cervix cancer screening program. As the association between the human papilloma virus and the cervix cancer is high, we decide to determine the prevalence of nonattendance to this screening program in the Carabobo University, Barbula, Venezuela, where 400 students participated between January to July 2006. A cross sectional, study was made. Median age was 21 years old,interquartile range 19 to 23 years old. While 68 % denies to have gone to the consultation, 64 % affirmed to have had sexual relationships and 54 % affirms to know whata cervix exfoliative cytolology is. As conclusions, the prevalence of non attendance is high. There is not clear and adequate information about this test in this community. The interviewed students propose ways to encourage the visit to the cervix screening program.

Apartar la mente del cuerpo: un acercamiento a los pensamientos y sentimientos de las estudiantes universitarias trabajadoras sexuales / Separating mind and body: an approach to the thoughts and feelings of female university students/sexual workers

Partiendo de la visión de estudiantes universitarias que son trabajadoras sexuales, este artículo aborda el significado que para ellas tiene dedicarse a este tipo de labor. Objetivo: comprender los significados que sobre su trabajo tienen las estudiantes universitarias trabajadoras sexuales, lo que piensan y sienten de él. Metodología: se partió de la investigación cualitativa con el uso de técnicas etnográficas, utilizando instrumentos de recolección de información como la entrevista, el diario de campo y la revisión documental. Resultados: la vida cotidiana de las estudiantes universitarias trabajadoras sexuales gira alrededor de su vida familiar, universitaria y laboral, recurriendo a la práctica de apartar la mente de su cuerpo para no sucumbir ante sentimientos de tristeza o decepción.

This article takes into account the vision of female university students who are also sexual workers and the meaning that job has for them. Objective: to understand the meaning that sexual job has for female university students/sexual workers, what they think and feel about it. Methodology: qualitative research was the starting point using ethnographical techniques such as the interview, the field diary and documental revision. Results: the daily life of female university students/sexual workers goes around their family, university and work, where they separate mind from body as a mechanism of emotional protection to avoid sadness and deception.

An Assessment on the Dietary Attitudes, Stress Level and Nutrient Intakes by Food Record of Food and Nutrition Major Female University Students

This study was performed to investigate the stress level, dietary attitudes and nutrient intakes of Food and Nutrition major female students at a university located in Changwon. A total of 122 female students taking the course 'Meal Ma-nagement' during 2001 - 2004 participated in this study. The general characteristics, stress level and dietary attitudes of the subjects were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. The nutrient intake data collected from 3-day food-record method were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program. The symptoms by stress showed that 'eye strain', 'physically exhausted or get tired' and 'pains on neck or shoulders' were high in 59.4 - 81.8%. The mean scores of stress in 2001 - 2004 were 8.5 - 12.0 out of 30 points and the subjects in 2002 and 2004 scored significantly higher on stress level than the subjects in 2001 did (p<0.01) . The mean scores of dietary attitudes were 58.7 - 66.6 out of 100 points, most of the subjects are belonged to the 'fair' group in terms of dietary habits level. The stress level had a negative correlation with dietary habits (p<0.001). About 1/3 of the subjects, the intake of calcium, vitamin B 2, vitamin A and iron were less than 75% of Korean RDA, whereas more than half of the subject, protein, vitamin C and phosphorus intake were more than 125% of RDA, and intake ratio of Ca and P showed an unbalance of 1:2. The animal protein intake was higher than the plant protein, whereas the animal vitamin A and iron intake were lower than vegetable food source. In 2001 - 2004, the index of nutritional quality (INQ) of vitamin B 2 and niacin was 0.56 - 0.98, and in 2003, the INQs of vitamin B2 was 0.56, and that of niacin was 0.67, which was extremely low when compared to that of the other nutrients. Therefore, nutritional education is necessary if female university students are to practice optimal nutrition, including well-balanced diets of high nutritional quality.

Factors Influencing Alcohol Consuming behavior of the Female University Students / 아동간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate the factors influencing alcohol consuming behavior of the female university students to provide the basic data for a nursing intervention program to improve health and prohibit of alcohol consuming behavior. METHOD: The subjects were 134 female university students, studying at K university and K educational university in Chungnam province from April 1 to 20, 2002. The instruments were the alcohol consuming behavior scale, that is drinking intensity score, and alcohol problem developed by Shin(1998), refusal self-efficacy scale by Aas et. al.(1995), alcohol expectancy by Goldman at. al.(1989), TPQ scale by Cloninger(1991), depression scale modified by Shin(1977) using Zung(1965)' tool, family cohesion scale by Olson at. al.(1983). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, canonical correlation and stepwise multiple regression. RESULT: The most powerful predictor of alcohol consuming behavior was influence of friends-drinking(21.0%). A combination of economic status(8.0%), and personality of novelty seeking(3.0%), accounted for 32.0% of the variance in alcohol consuming behavior. CONCLUSION: I recommended that economic status, influence of friends drinking frequently, and personality of novelty seeking were contained of the developing nursing intervention program for decreasing the alcohol consuming behavior in female university students.

Effects of Koryo-Sooji-Chim on Menstrual Pain & Menstrual Symptoms of Female University Students with Dysmenorrhea / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The Purposes of this study were to examine the effects of Koryo-Sooji-Chim (30minutes * 2times/week * 2weeks) on menstrual pain and menstrual symptoms of female university students with dysmenorrhea. METHOD: The subjects were 22 female students with dysmenorrhea, 12 experimental group, 10 control group, studying at K university in Chungnam province. The data were collected through questionnaires from September 1st to November 30th 2003 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, X2-test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULT: 1. The menstrual pain scores were significantly different between the two groups(U=16.0, p=.001). 2. The menstrual symptom scores were significantly different between the two groups(U=28.5, p=.038). CONCLUSION: These findings showed that Koryo-Sooji-Chim was effective related to menstrual pain and menstrual symptoms of female university students with dysmenorrhea. Koryo-Sooji-Chim during dysmenorrhea could be applied as an effective nursing intervention.

Psychosocial Factors Related to Dairy Product Consumption among Female University Students in Daejeon / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychosocial factors influencing dairy product consumption of female university students in Daejeon. The Theory of Planned Behavior provided the basis for this study. As a result of the pilot-study, 18 behavioral beliefs, 8 normative beliefs, and 12 control beliefs were identified. The subjects (n = 236) were grouped into a high-consumption group (1 serving / day, n = 117) and a low consumption group (< 1 serving / day, n = 119). The data were analyzed using t-tests or chi-square-tests. Among the general characteristics, there were significant differences in the amount of pocket money spent per month, residence type (p < 0.01), weight, frequency of exercise and perceived health status (p < 0.05) of the subjects. With respect to the 18 behavioral beliefs, the high consumption group responded less negatively on 'eating dairy foods would not be convenient' than the low consumption group (p < 0.05). None of the subjective normative items were significantly different between the two groups. However, notable differences were found in regard to the control beliefs (8 out of 12 control beliefs). These included overall control over consuming dairy products (p < 0.001), as well as specific beliefs regarding barriers such as easy spoilage of dairy products, the cost, eating them for snacks and dislike for them (p < 0.05). In addition, specific situations, such as 'when I want them I get them' (p < 0.01), eating out and the availability of dairy foods at home (p < 0.05) were significantly different between the two groups. The high consumption group showed more control over these barriers or situations. These results suggest that nutritional education for young female adults should incorporate strategies to increase their perceived control over the consumption of dairy products by removing barriers and including environmental approaches which address the availability issues.

A Comparative Study on the Dietary Attitudes, Dietary Behaviors and Diet Qualities of Food and Nutrition Major and Non-major Female University Students / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare dietary attitudes, dietary behaviors and diet qualities of Food and Nutrition major and non-major female students at a university located in Inchon. The subjects included 74 female Food and Nutrition majors and 45 non-Food and Nutrition major female university students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, and the data were analyzed by a SPSS 10.0 program. The nutrient intake data collected from Three-day recalls were analyzed by the Computer Aided Nutritional Analysis Program and then the diet quality was estimated using the Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR), the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) and the Index of Nutritional Quality (INQ). There was no significant difference in dietary behaviors between Food and Nutrition majors and non-majors. However, most of the female university students had poor eating habits, such as overeating, unbalanced meals, and skipping of meals. In particular, more than 50% of the female university students skipped breakfast. As for weighing themselves once a week, changing dietary lifestyles, calculating food calories and having interest in information on nutrition and health, the ratio of Food and Nutrition majors was significantly higher as compared to that of the non-majors. There was a significant difference in food consumption frequency except for milk and milk products, and iron-rich foods between the Food and Nutrition majors and non-majors. However, there was a significant difference in the frequency scores of iron-rich foods between the Food and Nutrition majors and non-majors. The MAR of Food and Nutrition majors and non-majors were 0.80 +/- 0.13, 0.79 +/-0.13, respectively. However, in the Food and Nutrition majors and non-majors, the NARs of calcium were 0.61 +/- 0.21 and 0.59 +/-0.20, and that of iron were 0.61 +/-0.21 and 0.59 +/-0.16, respectively, which was extremely low when compared to that of the other nutrients. This result was similar to that of the INQ. Therefore, nutritional education is necessary if female university students are to practice optimal nutrition, including well-balanced diets and eating foods of high nutritional quality.