Dietary patterns among nutrition students at a public university in Brazil

Abstract

© 2016, Sociedad Chilena de Nutricion Bromatologia y Toxilogica. All rights reserved. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns of 125 nutrition students in 2011, from public university in Bahia State, Brazil. The students answered a structured and validated questionnaire for this specific group that addressed socioeconomic and health aspects, family information, and food consumption. Dietary patterns were determined using factor analysis by principal components analysis. The mean age was 22.3 (SD: 3.75) years old. The majority (88%) of students were female. In relation to the dietary patterns of the students, 4 groups were identified and these patterns explained 59.8% of the total dietary variability. The pattern number 1, entitled "Traditional", consisted of roots/tubers, legumes, dairy products, meat and eggs, fruit/natural juice and vegetables, and explained 21.53% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 2, labeled "Exam Days" was made up of breads/cereals, sausages and artificial beverage accounted for 13.85% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 3, entitled "End of Semester" was characterized predominantly by candy/sugar and snacks and represented 13.39% of the variability of food consumption. Pattern 4, labeled "Anxiety" which was made up of coffee/tea and fats, explained 11.08% of the variation of food consumption. It was observed that 38.1% of the students have inadequate food consumption because they are monotonous, and poor sources of fiber and vitamins.