[Quality of the diet and lifestyles in health sciences students]

Nutr Hosp. 2014 Jan 1;29(1):153-7. doi: 10.3305/nh.2014.29.1.6761.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the eating habits of the students of the University of Alicante of the degrees of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Nursing.

Material and methods: The study was carried out to 184 students of both sexes (96 of Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Nursing 88) of the University of Alicante. Were weighed and carved to calculate BMI; food consumption was estimated by the reminder of 24 hours; intake of macro and micronutrients were calculated using the program Easydiet. Comparing the results obtained in both qualifications and according to nutritional status by performing the corresponding statistical analysis.

Results: The majority of the students analyzed are normal weight (80%). There were significant differences in the quality of the diet both degrees, being the same characteristics: low in carbohydrates and high in protein. It also shows an imbalance in the type of fat consumed, with a higher consumption of saturated and less from polyunsaturated than recommended. Likewise, analyzed that nutrition students do more exercise than the nurses, although they sleep fewer hours and spend more time in front of the computer and TV.

Conclusion: While the levels of overweight and obesity among students is less than that of the general population, there are imbalances in your diet, noting that consumption of macronutrients is located away from the recommendations, and that there are deficiencies in the intake of micronutrients. Showing that have knowledge of nutrition, does not affect healthy decision-making to a diet and lifestyle.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diet
  • Diet Surveys*
  • Dietetics*
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Students / statistics & numerical data*
  • Students, Nursing / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult