Survey on Health-related Factors, Nutrition Knowledge and Food Habits of College Students in Wonju Area / 대한지역사회영양학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate health-related factors, nutrition knowledge and food habits of college students in Wonju. METHODS: A total of 442 (male: 221, female: 221) college students were recruited and a questionnaire-based survey was conducted. The general characteristics, health-related factors, nutrition knowledge, and food habits were investigated and data were analyzed using SPSS WIN (ver 21.0). RESULTS: The body mass index (22.9 kg/m2 vs 20.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the males. The ratio of weight (p < 0.001) was significantly different between males and females. Health-related factor scores 'Exercise (p < 0.001)', 'Number of exercise (p < 0.001)', 'Times of exercise (p < 0.01)', 'Concerns about health (p < 0.05)', 'Health condition (p < 0.001)' were significantly higher in the males. 'Type of exercise (p < 0.001)' was significantly different between males and females. Score on 'Watching TV & computer games (p < 0.01)' was significantly higher in the females. Smoking (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the males. Type of beverages consumed (p < 0.001) was significantly different between males and females. Nutrition knowledge score (11.8 vs 12.9, p < 0.05) was significantly higher in the females. Scores on 'Iron deficiency is leading to anemia (p < 0.01)' and 'carbonated beverages, such as coke, have no calorie (p < 0.05)' were significantly higher in the females. Food habits score (56.4 vs 53.7, p < 0.01) was significantly higher in the males. Scores on 'I have three meals a day (p < 0.01)', 'I have breakfast regularly (p < 0.001)', 'I have meals on time (p < 0.001)', 'I do exercise every day (p < 0.001)', 'I don't eat junk food often (p < 0.05)', 'I don't eat sweet food often (p < 0.05)', and 'I don't eat out often (p < 0.05)' were significantly higher in the males. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional education for college students is needed in order to improve their health and nutritional education program should be tailored to meet various needs of these students.