Dietary behaviour of students from Poznan universities

Abstract

The problem raised in the study relates to the eating habits of students and their relations with the body mass index (BMI). The effect of selected socio-demographic variables (sex, place of residence, material status, field of study) on eating habits of the respondents was also analysed. The structure of the Dietary Behaviour Index (DBI) was proposed and its relations to the BMI were established. Material and methods. The study covered 508 students of state and private universities in Poznan (Poland ) of whom 73% were female and 27% male. The study used an anonymous questionnaire poll on the basic dietary habits developed on the basis of the Food Pyramid guidelines as well as the Golden Charter of Correct Nutrition. The BMI was calculated on the students' self-reported weight and height. Results. 15% of the participating students are overweight or obese. The distribution of the BMI differs between men and women (p