Nutrition behaviours among female students and their association with BMI, self-perceived health status, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Background: Nutrition-related diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the KSA. Limited information exists regarding nutrition and health behaviours of college-aged females. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the current nutrition behaviours in a sample of subjects from the University of Hail. Methods: This study involved 241 students enrolled in UOH, female campus. A confidential survey requesting self-reported information on nutrition behaviours, health status, weight and height was collected using a standardised questionnaire. Results: Mean age and BMI was 20.68 ± 1.75 and 23.30 ± 4.50. The majority of subjects reported that their perceived health is good (76 %) and physically they feel strong (63 %).Only around 19 % eat fresh fruits, 30 % drink milk, 25 % drink fresh juices 5 or more days in a week while atleast 50 % drink soft drinks, 49 % eat chips, 67 % eat chocolates, 44 % eat desserts/sweets, 32 % eat fast foods. Obesity is significantly high in those subjects with high chips consumption habit (χ 2 = 14.401; p =0.025) and less water consuming habit (χ 2 = 14.401; p =0.025). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that study subjects nutrition behaviours are health risky.