Correlation Between Eating Patterns and Nourish Status Among Medical Students of Sarajevo University

摘要

University students experience numerous health-related behavioral changes, including the adoption of unhealthy dietary habits. This study aimed to assess the nourish status in a sample of students from Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University and correlate it with students eating habits. A cross-sectional survey of 68 students was performed during February and March 2016, at the Sarajevo University. Verbal informed consent was obtained from all participants before completing the self-administered questionnaire that included questions on their eating habits and anthropometrics measures, weight and height. Body mass index was used to assess students nourish status. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 13.0). This study showed that the majority of the students (69.12%) were of normal weight. Intakes of fruit and raw vegetables were more common among students with BMI≤24.9 kg/m~2 than students with BMI≥25 kg/m~2 (P=0.0004 and P=0.046 respectively). Consumption frequency of coca cola and beverages was less common (P=0.005) among students with BMI≤24.9 kg/m~2. This study gives baseline information about weight status and eating habits among a sample of university students. Regulating the energy density of food could be used as an approach for successful body weight control.