scholarly journals University Students Purchasing Food on Campus More Frequently Consume More Energy-Dense, Nutrient-Poor Foods: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1053
Author(s):  
Megan C Whatnall ◽  
Zhao Min Soo ◽  
Amanda J Patterson ◽  
Melinda J Hutchesson

University food environments are typically dominated by unhealthy food choices. The aim was to investigate associations between on-campus food purchasing behaviours and dietary intake in an Australian university student sample. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017–2018 with students (n = 362, 71.0% female, mean age 27.5 ± 10.5 years) from the University of Newcastle, Australia. On-campus food purchasing behaviours (purchasing frequency and weekly expenditure), dietary intake (diet quality and percentage energy/day from energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods) and sociodemographic and student characteristics (e.g., time spent on campus) were measured. Linear regression was used to explore associations between food purchasing behaviours and dietary intake, adjusted for potential confounders. Mean percentage energy/day from EDNP foods was 31.7 ± 14.4. Mean diet quality score was 32.6 ± 10.2 out of 73. Higher percentage energy/day from EDNP foods was associated with higher weekly expenditure (β = 0.203, p < 0.001) and more frequent purchase (β = 18.041, p < 0.001 for ≥4 times a week vs. never) of food/drinks on campus. Diet quality was not significantly associated with purchase frequency or expenditure (p > 0.05). Findings are supportive of changes being made to university food environments, as a strategy to improve dietary intake among university students.

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-147
Author(s):  
Jure PUC ◽  
Petra Obadić ◽  
Vanja Erčulj ◽  
Ana Borovečki ◽  
Štefan Grosek

Abstract Objective To survey university students on their views concerning the respect for autonomy of patients and the best interest of patients in relation to the withholding of resuscitation. Methods A cross-sectional survey among university students of medicine, nursing, philosophy, law and theology of the first and the final study years at the University of Ljubljana and the University of Zagreb was conducted during the academic year of 2016/2017. A questionnaire constructed by Janiver et al. presenting clinical case vignettes was used. Results The survey response rates for students in Ljubljana and Zagreb were 45.4% (512 students) and 37.9% (812 students), respectively. The results of our research show statistically significant differences in do-not resuscitate decisions in different cases between medical and non-medical students in both countries. Male and religious students in both countries have lower odds of respecting relatives’ wishes for the withholding of resuscitation (odds ratio 0.49–0.54; 95% confidence interval). All students agreed that they would first resuscitate children if they had to prioritize among patients. Conclusions Our study clearly shows that gender, religious beliefs, and type of study are important factors associated with the decisions pertaining to the respect for autonomy, patient’s best interest, and initiation or withholding of resuscitation.


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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 267-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Afzal ◽  
Fakhar Zaman ◽  
Muhammad Sabir

Social networking sites are more common to the young generation worldwide. Pakistan’s major population is comprised of young generation. Thus, usage of social networking sites has become the trend among the youth of Pakistan which has strong effect on the student’s performance and habits. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of social network usage on the university student’s academic performance of Lahore, Pakistan. Cross sectional survey technique has used in the current study. The self-administered questionnaire distributed to the 260 students of four universities of Lahore through convenient random sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data while Chi-square (X2) analysis has performed to test the research hypotheses. The findings of the current study show that the university students of Lahore, Pakistan are using different social networking sites which has negative effect on the student’s academic performance and habits. Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 3, Issue-4: 267-276


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Paudyal ◽  
M Movia

Abstract Background The popularity of e-cigarette is increasing recently, both as an alternative nicotine delivery tool or smoking cessation aid. Austria is a country with a high smoking prevalence; 28% of the population are current smoker and 21% have tried e-cigarettes at least once. In this current context, it is important to understand the opinion regarding e-cigarettes. Methods This cross-sectional survey examined the use, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards e-cigarettes among undergraduate students from Carinthia University of Applied Sciences in Austria. The anonymous questionnaire was handed out in 29 classrooms during compulsory lecturers, and completed questionnaire was returned to a provided box in the front of the classroom. Descriptive summary statistics was used to summarize the results using SPSS 24. Statistical significance was considered at p &lt; 0.05. Results A total of 528 students were approached and all returned the questionnaire giving a 100% completion rate. 83.7% were female and half (50.2%) were in the age group 20 and 24. 96.6% of students reported being aware of e-cigarettes and 32.4% mentioned trying e-cigarettes at least once. 71.2% reported of ever smoking tobacco. 53.8% disagreed that e-cigarettes are an effective way for smoking cessation and only 10.3% agreed recommending it to a friend or family for smoking cessation. 78.1% believed that e-cigarettes are harmful to the health of those who use them and 58.2% disagreed that the use of e-cigarettes should be prohibited on University Campus premises. Conclusions To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind performed in Austria. Our study shows that self-reported ever use of e-cigarettes is 1.5 times higher among this population than among the general population in Austria. Majority of participants disagreed that e-cigarettes are an effective way for smoking cessation. There seems a gap in knowledge regarding the e-cigarette which needs to be addressed among the university students. Key messages In Austria, e-cigarettes use is 1.5 times higher among university students compared to the general population. Knowledge gap regarding e-cigarettes needs to be addressed among the university students.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamzah Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Tariq Majeed

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Fernanda Carneiro Mussi ◽  
Caren Lorena Menezes Freitas ◽  
Tássia Teles Santana de Macêdo ◽  
Eliane Barbosa de Souza ◽  
Alana De Souza Reis Carneiro

Background and objective: Food choice is a complex process that involves sensory and non-sensory characteristics, therefore, sociocultural, and psychological factors. The purpose of this study was to describe the reasons for food choices of nursing university students.Methods: Cross-sectional study with 286 university students of the nursing course at a public university in Salvador/BA. Data were obtained by applying sociodemographic and academic life characterization instruments. The reasons for food choices were evaluated by the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The data were analyzed in percentages and the reasons for food choices by calculating the unweighted mean of each factor.Results: There was a predominance of females (90.2%), unmarried with partners (90.9%), black race/color (87.8%). and the mean age was 23.4 years old (sd = 4.4). The majority of the students had semester load between 401 and 500 hours (58.8%) and attended university in two or more shifts (80.4%). Among the nine dimensions of the instrument, Sensory Appeal (x̄ = 3.35), Price (x̄ = 3.27) and Health (x̄ = 3.18) were the three most important for food choice. The familiarity and ethical concern factors were the least considered. Considering the FCQ items, the students chose the foods first because they were tasty (x̄ = 3.52), healthy (x̄ = 3.47) and of good price (x̄ = 3.40).Conclusions: For the students, the sensory appeal was the main reason for choosing food, being more relevant than price and health. Thus, there is need to consider the supply of healthy, attractive, and affordable foods in the university environment.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Waqas ◽  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Hamzah Ghulam ◽  
Muhammad Wajih Ullah ◽  
Muhammad Zubair Tariq Majeed

Background: The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge and attitudes of Pakistani university students toward mental illnesses. People with mental illnesses are challenged not only by their symptoms but also by the prejudices associated with their illness. Acknowledging the stigma of mental illness should be the first essential step toward devising an appropriate treatment plan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University of Punjab, Lahore, CMH Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, and University of Sargodha, Sub-campus Lahore, from February to May, 2014. The self-administered questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographics, general knowledge of psychiatric illnesses, and Community Attitudes towards Mental Illnesses (CAMI) Scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 650 participants enrolled in different disciplines (Social Sciences, Medicine and Formal Sciences). Results: Response rate was 81% (527/650 respondents). Mean age was 20.98 years. Most of the students (331, 62.8%) had an urban background and studied Social Sciences (238, 45.2%). 418 (79.3%) considered religion very important and most respondents considered psychiatrists (334, 63.4%) and spiritual leaders (72, 13.7%) to be best able to treat mental illnesses. 169 (32.1%) considered black magic to be a cause of mental illness. Only 215 (41%) had ever read an article on mental illnesses. Multiple regression analysis revealed study discipline, exposure, perceived causes of mental illnesses and superstitions to be significantly associated with attitudes towards mental illnesses (p < .05). Conclusion: Although low awareness and exposure were found in this sample of Pakistani university students, their attitude towards mental illnesses was generally positive. Most respondents gave supernatural explanations for mental illnesses but only a few believed that spiritual leaders can play a role in treatment.


Author(s):  
Anas H. A. Abu-Humaidan ◽  
Jawad A. Alrawabdeh ◽  
Laith S. Theeb ◽  
Yazan I. Hamadneh ◽  
Mohammad B. Omari

Human microbiota have a significant impact on the health of individuals, and reciprocally, lifestyle choices of individuals have an important effect on the diversity and composition of microbiota. Studies assessing microbiota knowledge among the public are lacking, although it is hypothesized that this knowledge can motivate healthier behavior. Hence, this study aimed to measure microbiota knowledge among university students, and the effect of this knowledge on behavioral beliefs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students from various fields of study enrolled at the University of Jordan, using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: demographics, general knowledge of microbiota, and behavioral beliefs related to microbiota. Four hundred and two responses were collected from verified university students. Participants were divided into two groups depending on whether they took a formal microbiology course (45 h) or not. Results from those two groups were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Results showed that most participants, even those who did not take a formal microbiology course, displayed good knowledge of what microbiota is and how they can be influenced by personal and environmental factors. Participants who took a microbiology course had significantly higher microbiota knowledge scores and were more aware of the effect of antibiotics on microbiota. Participants’ behavioral beliefs regarding their antibiotic use, but not their diet and lifestyle choices, were affected by their knowledge of microbiota. The study indicates that disseminating knowledge regarding microbiota and microbiology in general, can improve behaviors related to antibiotic use.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Murray ◽  
Corey Peterson ◽  
Carmen Primo ◽  
Catherine Elliott ◽  
Margaret Otlowski ◽  
...  

Purpose Food insecurity and poor access to healthy food is known to compromise tertiary studies in university students, and food choices are linked to student perceptions of the campus food environment. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence, demographic and education characteristics associated with food insecurity in a sample of Australian university students and their satisfaction with on-campus food choices. Design/methodology/approach An online, cross-sectional survey conducted as part of the bi-annual sustainability themed survey was conducted at the University of Tasmania in March 2020. A single-item measure was used to assess food insecurity in addition to six demographic and education characteristics and four questions about the availability of food, affordable food, sustainable food and local food on campus. Findings Survey data (n = 1,858) were analysed using bivariate analyses and multivariate binary logistic regression. A total of 38% of respondents (70% female; 80% domestic student; 42% aged 18–24 years) were food insecure. Overall, 41% of students were satisfied with the food available on campus. Nearly, half (47%) of food insecure students were dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the availability of affordable food on campus. A minority of students were satisfied with the availability of sustainable food (37%) and local food (33%) on campus. Originality/value These findings demonstrate a high prevalence of food insecurity and deficits in the university food environment, which can inform the development of strategies to improve the food available on campus, including affordable, sustainable and local options.


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