<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The college student population is prone to irregular food intake and the excessive intake of carbohydrates and snacks. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits and nutritional knowledge in female students attending a healthcare college.Our investigation enrolled 100 college students at the High Health School of Professional Studies in Belgrade, 19-30 years old, who underwent anthropometric measurements and an investigation by questionnaire of their nutritional knowledge as well as recorded a 7-day food diary. The results were interpreted in relation to their location of nutritional intake.The majority of students showed good nutritional knowledge. Of the total population, 83% were of normal weight, 11% were overweight, and 5% were underweight. The average Body Mass Index values, as well as body fat percentage, were similar regardless of the type of eating location, but all overweight and obese students were recorded in the groups that ate in the student dining facility and that prepared food and ate by themselves. Students who ate with their families ate significantly fewer fats and proteins but significantly more carbohydrates compared to students in the other two groups. Higher fat intake and snack consumption are significantly related to an increased percentage of body fat. Fruit intake is inversely related to body fat percentage.Despite the relatively low prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight in the investigated population, the given results indicate that students may benefit from health promotion activities, increased knowledge and improved eating habits. This is especially important considering that they are future health professionals.</abstract>

The college student population is prone to irregular food intake and the excessive intake of carbohydrates and snacks. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships among anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits and nutritional knowledge in female students attending a healthcare college.Our investigation enrolled 100 college students at the High Health School of Professional Studies in Belgrade, 19-30 years old, who underwent anthropometric measurements and an investigation by questionnaire of their nutritional knowledge as well as recorded a 7-day food diary. The results were interpreted in relation to their location of nutritional intake.The majority of students showed good nutritional knowledge. Of the total population, 83% were of normal weight, 11% were overweight, and 5% were underweight. The average Body Mass Index values, as well as body fat percentage, were similar regardless of the type of eating location, but all overweight and obese students were recorded in the groups that ate in the student dining facility and that prepared food and ate by themselves. Students who ate with their families ate significantly fewer fats and proteins but significantly more carbohydrates compared to students in the other two groups. Higher fat intake and snack consumption are significantly related to an increased percentage of body fat. Fruit intake is inversely related to body fat percentage.Despite the relatively low prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight in the investigated population, the given results indicate that students may benefit from health promotion activities, increased knowledge and improved eating habits. This is especially important considering that they are future health professionals.

Anthropometric Characteristics, Nutritional Status And Dietary Habits In A College Population

High Health School of Professional Studies in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad, Serbia

Military Medical Center Karaburma, Belgrade, Serbia

University of Defence, Military Academy, Belgrade, Serbia

Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia

Ministry of Defence, Sector for Material Resources, Belgrade, Serbia

Experimental and Applied Biomedical Research (EABR)

This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Public License.

ANTROPOMETRIJSKE KARAKTERISTIKE, NUTRITIVNI STATUS I NAVIKE U ISHRANI STUDENTSKE POPULACIJE

The college student population is prone to irregular food intake and the excessive intake of carbohydrates and snacks. The aim of this study is to investigate...

Anthropometric Characteristics, Nutritional Status And Dietary Habits In A College Population

Publié en ligne: 14 oct. 2015

Pages: 241 - 247

Reçu: 13 mars 2015

Accepté: 26 mars 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/sjecr-2015-0032

Mots clés
Nutrition, students, anthropometry

© 2015 Gora Miljanovic et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Public License.

Anthropometric Characteristics, Nutritional Status And Dietary Habits In A College Population

Publié en ligne: 14 oct. 2015

Pages: 241 - 247

Reçu: 13 mars 2015

Accepté: 26 mars 2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/sjecr-2015-0032

Mots clésNutrition, students, anthropometry

© 2015 Gora Miljanovic et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Public License.

Mots clés
Nutrition, students, anthropometry