Hábitos alimentarios y estado nutricional de los estudiantes de la Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética de la Universidad de Cuenca, 2023

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of eating habits and nutritional status of university students is important because it facilitates identification of health risks and prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, currently alarming due to their prevalence and incidence. Therefore, when a diet is not appropriate, it may cause malnutrition due to a deficiency or excess of nutrients, which in turn causes metabolic alterations and poor academic performance. Objectives: To evaluate eating habits and nutritional status of the University of Cuenca Nutrition and Dietetics major students. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, with the participation of 87 university students majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics. Data collection through a survey featuring eating habits and frequency of food consumption, anthropometric assessment, and bioimpedance. Data was analyzed using IBMSPSS Statistics v15 program and Microsoft Excel 2019. Results were presented in single and double entry graphs and tables. Application of Pearson’s Chi-square for association between variables. Results:26.44% of the participants successfully follow the recommendations with regard to healthy eating habits and 73.56% need to changes their habits. Regarding nutritional status, 55.2% of the participants showed appropriate conditions, 35.6% were overweight, and 9,2% were obese. Relationship between eating habits and nutritional status was then determined. Conclusions: The study shows that the most influential factor in the nutritional status of students is that of eating habits.