What Do Students Know About Food and Nutrition and How Does That Affect Their Food Intake?
Location
CSU 253/4/5
Start Date
4-4-2011 9:00 AM
End Date
4-4-2011 10:30 AM
Student's Major
Family Consumer Science
Student's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Mentor's Name
Sue Fredstrom
Mentor's Department
Family Consumer Science
Mentor's College
Allied Health and Nursing
Description
It is well known that college students do not follow healthy dietary practices. In prior studies, intake of fruits and vegetables has been shown to be less than optimal, while fat, sodium, and calorie intake is high. Lack of knowledge may be one reason for these habits. In this study, we assessed what traditional college students know about nutrition and how that knowledge impacts their food intake. We also asked students how they best obtain knowledge to make healthier food choices.
An on-line survey was sent out to 3,000 randomly selected MSU undergraduates, 268 responses (9%) were received. Survey questions asked about experiences with food, and included a comprehensive food and nutrition quiz to determine their level of general knowledge. Findings show that 32% of respondents have taken a nutrition related class, 53% of respondents do all or most of their purchasing and preparation, and most (72%) want to learn more about nutrition. About half of the participants read labels paying attention to calories, fat and sodium. Quiz questions were answered correctly 31-81% of the time. We will also be conducting five focus groups of 8-10 volunteer students per session to discuss nutrition topics and their views. Food and nutrition knowledge, cooking experiences, portion sizes and potential forms of nutrition education will be discussed.
These results demonstrate a need for further nutrition education within the student body. Lack of knowledge may be one factor in poor nutrition, but students show interest in learning more about foods and nutrition.
What Do Students Know About Food and Nutrition and How Does That Affect Their Food Intake?
CSU 253/4/5
It is well known that college students do not follow healthy dietary practices. In prior studies, intake of fruits and vegetables has been shown to be less than optimal, while fat, sodium, and calorie intake is high. Lack of knowledge may be one reason for these habits. In this study, we assessed what traditional college students know about nutrition and how that knowledge impacts their food intake. We also asked students how they best obtain knowledge to make healthier food choices.
An on-line survey was sent out to 3,000 randomly selected MSU undergraduates, 268 responses (9%) were received. Survey questions asked about experiences with food, and included a comprehensive food and nutrition quiz to determine their level of general knowledge. Findings show that 32% of respondents have taken a nutrition related class, 53% of respondents do all or most of their purchasing and preparation, and most (72%) want to learn more about nutrition. About half of the participants read labels paying attention to calories, fat and sodium. Quiz questions were answered correctly 31-81% of the time. We will also be conducting five focus groups of 8-10 volunteer students per session to discuss nutrition topics and their views. Food and nutrition knowledge, cooking experiences, portion sizes and potential forms of nutrition education will be discussed.
These results demonstrate a need for further nutrition education within the student body. Lack of knowledge may be one factor in poor nutrition, but students show interest in learning more about foods and nutrition.
Recommended Citation
Gauer, Chelsea; Ashley Bohn; and Merideth Lamberger. "What Do Students Know About Food and Nutrition and How Does That Affect Their Food Intake?." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 4, 2011.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2011/poster-session-A/4
