Predictors of Food Skills in University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie A. Seabrook ◽  
Paula D.N. Dworatzek ◽  
June I. Matthews

Purpose: To determine predictors of food skills in university students, specifically, the relative effects of a food and nutrition (FN) course; sex, age, and body mass index; food-related behaviours in the parental home; and food-related behaviours in university. Methods: Undergraduate students (n = 30 310) at Western University were invited to complete an online cross-sectional survey that assessed 7 components of food skills, from mechanical (e.g., peeling/chopping) to conceptual (e.g., weekly meal planning). The primary outcome measure was Total Food Skills Score (TFSS). All variables that were statistically associated with TFSS (P < 0.05) were analyzed hierarchically in 4 regression models. Results: The sample was comprised of 3354 students living independently for 2.6 ± 1.1 years. Students who had taken an FN course had higher food skills than those who had not (B = 30.72; P < 0.001), and this relationship remained significant through all subsequent models. The strongest predictor of food skills was meal preparation as a teen (B = 25.66; P < 0.001). Frequency of using a grocery list, packing a lunch, and time spent preparing meals on weekends were positively associated with food skills (P < 0.001), whereas frequency of buying pre-prepared meals was negatively associated with food skills (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Food skill development should occur well before young adults begin living independently.

Author(s):  
James Kay

This paper explores the primary forms and prevalence of sexual harassment on campus. It also looks into the general perception that students have concerning harassment. In a cross-sectional survey, 389 respondents filled a questionnaire on sexual harassment. Quantitative statistical analysis revealed that sexual harassment was significantly prevalent in academia. Two-thirds of university students are subjected to sexual harassment before they join campus. Many of the respondents acceded to have been subjected to sexually harassing behaviours but were resistant to label themselves as survivors of harassment. Perception was high among undergraduate students. Recommendations for the improvement of the situation to create a freer and safer campus environment and suggestions for further research are made.


Author(s):  
Tilagavati Subramaniam

The purpose of this study is to examine the level of sense of civic responsibility among the university students and to identify specific factors that contribute to a sense of civic responsibility. A total of 1213 final year undergraduates’ students were recruited from five public universities. Since Malaysian public universities are heterogeneous in terms of student racial composition, stratified sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the sample. A cross – sectional survey using a self- administered questionnaire was employed. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used in order to analyse the quantitative data obtained in this study. The demographic details and the level of sense of civic responsibility were analysed using descriptive statistics in order to obtain both the frequency and percentage for the data. Meanwhile, multiple regressions were used to determine the most influential factor that predicts a sense of civic responsibility among the final year undergraduate students. The results showed that respondents across the five institutions demonstrated a high level of sense of civic responsibility. Campus climate perception is the main contributor that caused the respondents to have a sense of civic responsibility. With regard to this, an institution of higher education can develop more effective strategies by stressing this factor. Student’s campus experiences have the potential to help students acquire the necessary knowledge, skill, values and motivation to take action in their communities as a thoughtful, engaged and socially responsible citizen.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah O. Aluh ◽  
Thelma Chukwuobasi ◽  
Adaobi U. Mosanya

AbstractBackgroundSocial anxiety is one of the most prevalent and disabling anxiety disorders with lifetime prevalence rates ranging from 2 to 16% s in different populations. Considering the rising use of social media among university students, it is necessary to assess their social anxiety as a result of the use of social media platforms since social anxiety can affect social interaction in social mediaMethodsThe current study employed a cross-sectional descriptive approach and was carried out among undergraduate students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Social Anxiety Scale for Social Media Users (SAS-SMU) which is a data collection tool to assess levels of social anxiety experienced by university students while using social media platforms was used in the current study. Data were analyzed with IBM Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS) for Windows, Version 20.0.ResultsA total of 228 out of the 380 questionnaires distributed were filled and returned (60% response rate). Social media usage was highest for WhatsApp (4.4±0.902) and Facebook (3.3±1.055). Social media anxiety was higher in females (69.00±12.59) than males (68.42±12.06) although this difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.356, p = 0.864). Social media usage was higher in females (35.02±5.04) than males (34.58±6.01) but the difference did not reach statistical significance (t = −0.603, p = 0.314). There was a non-significant negative association between Social media usage and social media anxiety (r = –0.051, p = 0.4450). More than half of the students (55.7%, n = 127) had social media anxiety.ConclusionIn conclusion, there was a negative non-significant correlation between social media usage and social anxiety. Investigations regarding social anxiety in social media are scarce from low and middle income countries and this is the first from an African country.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e5004 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Garratt-Reed ◽  
Joel Howell ◽  
Lana Hayes ◽  
Mark Boyes

Academic burnout is prevalent among university students, although understanding of what predicts burnout is limited. This study aimed to test the direct and indirect relationship between two dimensions of perfectionism (Perfectionistic Concerns and Perfectionistic Strivings) and the three elements of Academic Burnout (Exhaustion, Inadequacy, and Cynicism) through Repetitive Negative Thinking. In a cross-sectional survey, undergraduate students (n = 126, Mage = 23.64, 79% female) completed well-validated measures of Perfectionism, Repetitive Negative Thinking, and Academic Burnout. Perfectionistic Concerns was directly associated with all elements of burnout, as well as indirectly associated with Exhaustion and Cynicism via Repetitive Negative Thinking. Perfectionistic Strivings was directly associated with less Inadequacy and Cynicism; however, there were no indirect associations between Perfectionistic Strivings and Academic Burnout operating through Repetitive Negative Thinking. Repetitive Negative Thinking was also directly related to more burnout Exhaustion and Inadequacy, but not Cynicism. It is concluded that future research should investigate whether interventions targeting Perfectionistic Concerns and Repetitive Negative Thinking can reduce Academic Burnout in university students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-337
Author(s):  
Hyewon Shin ◽  
Jungmin Lee ◽  
Shin Jeong Kim ◽  
Minjeong Jo

Purpose: This study investigated intentions and attitudes towards future parenthood and awareness of fertility among university students in South Korea.Methods: The participants comprised 166 female and male undergraduate students enrolled at five universities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to July 2019 using the Korean version of the Fertility Awareness Questionnaire and Attitudes of Parenthood. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics based on participants' general characteristics, the <i>x</i><sup>2</sup> test to identify differences in intentions, and the t-test to evaluate attitudes towards parenthood and awareness of fertility in female and male students.Results: Both female and male students desired to have two children, but they lacked awareness about fertility. The possibility of combining work and having children, along with the availability of childcare resources, impacted the desire for parenthood. Male students tended to consider parenthood as less impactful on their lives and careers than female students. Social structures might also impact the decision to have children.Conclusion: It is important to provide health education emphasizing fertility awareness and parenthood in young adulthood so participants can consider these facts in advance. In addition, the government should provide resources for couples making parenthood decisions.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinghan Gao ◽  
Xiao Yuan ◽  
Jianjun Yang ◽  
Xueyan Fu

Abstract Background Polyphenol intake assessment is a first step for evaluating relationships between polyphenols and health-related outcomes. Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is one of the minority areas in China, which is primarily consists of arid, dry desert. Objectives This study was to make assessment about phenolics intake by university students from Ningxia of China. Methods This study employed data from a cross-sectional survey conducted from February to June 2018 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of Northwest China. A total of 413 undergraduate students (143 boys, 270 girls), mean age 20.6 years, participated in the study. Food-frequency consumption and anthropometric measurements were included in the survey. According to phenol-explorer website, the amount of different classes of phenolic compounds were established. Statistics analyses were conducted with IBM SPSS 20.0. Results Profile of the student subjects showed low weight (19.1%), overweight (6.8%) and obesity (0.5%). The mean value about phenolics intake was 1378 mg/day. The main polyphenols consumed were flavonoids (58.7% of total polyphenols), followed by phenolic acids (38.1%). Vegetables, fruits and cereals products were the most consumed foods, while infusions and sugar products were lower. Fruit was the main food sources of total polyphenols, especially apple (22.95%), orange juice (19.03%) and apple juice (3.93%). Conclusions This is the first study on the polyphenol intake of university students in Ningxia of China. The present results will be benefit for further investigation on the role of polyphenol intake against disease occurrence for this adults group.


Author(s):  
Rachael H. Dodd ◽  
Kevin Dadaczynski ◽  
Orkan Okan ◽  
Kirsten J. McCaffery ◽  
Kristen Pickles

COVID-19 has created significant challenges for higher education institutions and major disruptions in teaching and learning. To explore the psychological wellbeing of domestic and international university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, an online cross-sectional survey recruited 787 university students (18+ years) currently studying at an Australian university. In total, 86.8% reported that COVID-19 had significantly impacted their studies. Overall, 34.7% of students reported a sufficient level of wellbeing, while 33.8% showed low wellbeing and 31.5% very low wellbeing. Wellbeing was significantly higher in postgraduate students compared with undergraduate students. Future anxiety was significantly greater among undergraduate than postgraduate students. Multivariable regression models showed female gender, low subjective social status, negative overall learning experience or reporting COVID-19 having a huge impact on study, were associated with lower wellbeing in the first few months (May–July) of the pandemic. Supporting the health, wellbeing, and learning experiences of all students should be of high priority now and post-pandemic. Strategies specifically targeting female students, and those with low self-reported social status are urgently needed to avoid exacerbating existing disparities.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 490-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Sol Rodríguez-Calvo ◽  
José Luis Soto ◽  
Isabel María Martínez-Silva ◽  
Fernando Vázquez-Portomeñe ◽  
José Ignacio Muñoz-Barús

Abstract Attitudes toward physician-assisted death among medical students differ between populations. The aim of this study was to explore attitudes towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide among Spanish university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by asking undergraduate students (Medicine, Nursing and Law) of the University of Santiago de Compostela to complete an anonymous 17-item questionnaire. Most participants exhibited a positive attitude towards physician-assisted suicide (54%) and euthanasia (75%), as well as towards their legalization. Attitudes were consistent with the underlying ethical reasoning, with no differences in terms of age, gender or academic degree. In addition, consistency was found between attitudes and willingness to participate in physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia, should they be legal. The results showed that the attitudes of medical students towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were positive and similar to non-medical students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-23
Author(s):  
Joan L. Bottorff ◽  
Casey Hamilton ◽  
Anne Huisken ◽  
Darlene Taylor

Food insecurity has been identified as an issue among postsecondary students. We conducted this study to describe the level of food insecurity in a sample of university students with a particular interest in the effect of marginalization. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a volunteer sample of 3,636 undergraduate students (44% participation rate) at one BC university campus between February and May 2017. Forty-two percent (n=1479) of respondents were classified as experiencing food insecurity. Among those who were food insecure 58% (n=891) were female. Logistic regression analysis indicated that females, students living on campus, those with a diverseability (developmental, physical, or other diversability), individuals self-reporting as belonging to a visible minority and international students were more likely to experience food insecurity. When adjusted for sex, years on campus, and living situation, students who reported experiencing two or more forms of marginalization were 2.52 times more likely to be food insecure compared to students who do not report any form of marginalization. This study further supports concerns about high levels of food insecurity among university students in Canada. In particular, the findings highlight the risk for food insecurity among students who are already vulnerable to socio-economic inequity due to belonging to marginalized groups. Efforts to promote student wellbeing on university campuses need to address food insecurity by addressing system-level factors to equalize the field for all students at risk for food insecurity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 4677-4687
Author(s):  
Dr. Azhar Majeed Qureshi Shafia Baber, Furrakh Abbas

Western culture has an extreme consequence of students’ lifestyles in both positive and negative ways (Riaz & Arif, 2017; Sibani, 2018). There is a deficiency in common apprehension about ways a culture impact students’ education and lifestyle (Kang & Chang, 2016). This research study was conducted to understand the impacts of Western culture on students' lifestyles on various campuses of the University of Education, Lahore. This descriptive study aimed to the perceptions of students about the impacts of cultural imperialism during university life. The target population in this study was both male and female undergraduate students of the University of Education in Lahore. A questionnaire based on likert scale was the tool of data collection. The data collection was through cross-sectional survey. The data collected through 130 questionnaires which were distributed and collected personally. The data analyzed through descriptive statistics (standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-Square Test). The findings of the study indicate that Western culture has exceedingly impacting university students’ lifestyles and social perceptions. Western culture has significantly inclined every part of university life, ranging from social adaptation to cultural preferences. The findings showed that even the slight details of daily university routines have been impacted by Western culture with mostly negative lifestyle choices.


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