Food Choice Availability, Nutritional Status and Dietary Dissatisfaction in University Students
Abstract
Nutritional status and dietary satisfaction are critical determinants of university students'health and academic performance. However, limited access to healthy food choices oncampuses may negatively influence students’ dietary behaviors and overall well-being.Thisstudy aimed to examine the relationship between food choice availability, nutritional status,and dietary dissatisfaction among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. Specifically, itassessed how food access varies between day scholars and hostel residents and its impact ondietary outcomes. A correlational survey design was employed using a non-probabilitypurposive sampling strategy. The sample comprised 201 university students (98 males, 103females), aged 18 to 27 years (M = 23.18, SD = 0.50), from various universities in Lahore.Data were collected using a Demographic Information Sheet, Healthy Food AccessibilityScale (HFAS), Dietary Dissatisfaction Scale (DDSS), and Nutritional AssessmentQuestionnaire (NAQ). Statistical analyses included Pearson Product-Moment Correlation,Linear Regression, and Independent Sample t-tests.The findings revealed a significantpositive correlation between dietary dissatisfaction and poor nutritional status. A negativeassociation was found between healthy food availability and both dietary dissatisfaction andmalnutrition. Key contributing factors included financial constraints, unhealthy eating habits,lack of nutritional awareness, and meal skipping. Hostel residents, students in governmentinstitutions, and female students reported higher levels of dietary dissatisfaction and reducedaccess to nutritious food options.The study highlights the pressing need for improvedavailability of healthy food choices on university campuses. Interventions such as nutritioneducation campaigns and affordable healthy meal plans are recommended to promotehealthier eating patterns and enhance students' well-being.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.