Dietary Habits and Lifestyle of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Students
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Practices among University Students in Universiti Brunei Darussalam
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Tok Chen Yun, Siti Rohaiza Ahmad, David Koh Soo Quee
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Practices among University Students in Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Year: 2018 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2018.25.3.6
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Obesity is a significant global health concern that has seen a drastic increase over the years. In Brunei Darussalam, the prevalence of obesity skyrocketed from 12% in 1996 to 27.2% in 2011. This growing concern extends to young adults, particularly university students, who face unique challenges in maintaining healthy lifestyles during their transition to campus life. A study conducted at Universiti Brunei Darussalam aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among students while exploring their eating patterns and lifestyle practices to highlight the need for effective health promotion strategies.
Eating Habits and Physical Activity
A critical finding of the study was that while many students exhibited a good understanding of balanced nutrition, their eating habits were generally poor. The survey revealed that 28.8% of participants were either overweight or obese, with more than half skipping breakfast regularly. Many students reported frequent snacking and a low intake of fruits and vegetables, coupled with a high consumption of fried foods. Alarmingly, only a quarter of the students engaged in physical exercise at least three times a week. This contradiction between knowledge and behavior suggests obstacles such as stress, time constraints from academic workloads, and reliance on fast and inexpensive food options that contribute to unhealthy eating practices amongst university students.
Conclusion
The study underscores the troubling trend of unhealthy eating habits and low physical activity levels among university students. Despite their awareness of the food pyramid and balanced nutrition, many students remain vulnerable to obesity due to their lifestyle choices. It is crucial for universities to implement comprehensive health promotion programs that include nutritional education and physical activity initiatives. By fostering a supportive environment for healthy lifestyle choices, universities can help lower the risks of obesity and associated chronic diseases among their student populations.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on university students?
The study estimates the prevalence of overweight and obesity among university students while exploring their eating patterns and lifestyle practices to understand better their health behaviors after transitioning to university life.
What are the key findings related to student eating habits?
The study found that 28.8% of students were overweight or obese. While most students reported regular meals, over half skipped breakfast and many had low intakes of fruits and vegetables, leading to unhealthy eating habits.
How often do university students engage in physical activity?
Only 25.4% of the university students exercised at least three times weekly, which is below the recommended levels by WHO, indicating a concerning trend in their physical activity levels.
What recommendations were made based on the study's findings?
The study recommends that universities implement health promotion initiatives, including nutrition and physical activity programs, aiming to raise awareness among students about healthy eating habits and the importance of regular exercise.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Dietary Habits and Lifestyle of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Students”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Table:
A table is a method of organizing and presenting data in a structured manner, making it easier to understand statistical findings, such as the demographic information, eating habits, and lifestyle practices among university students. In the context of this study, tables were used to showcase results and comparisons effectively.
2) Food:
Food is fundamental for human health and development, influencing well-being and lifestyle choices. In the context of university students, their food intake patterns, including the reliance on fast food and snacking habits, directly impact their body weight and health, highlighting the importance of healthy eating practices.
3) Study (Studying):
Studying implies engaging in learning processes, often associated with coursework in a subject area. The pressures of studying can affect students’ eating habits and lifestyle choices, with many opting for convenience foods over healthier options, underscoring the impact of academic demands on nutrition.
4) Male:
Male refers to the gender of an individual, often used in demographic studies to analyze differences between sexes. In this research, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was evaluated among male university students in comparison to females, providing insights into gender-related health behaviors and issues.
5) Activity:
Activity generally refers to tasks or exercises that require physical effort. In the context of this study, physical activity is a key factor influencing weight management and obesity. The study examined how frequently students engaged in physical activities and how it correlates with their eating habits and BMI.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions regarding the universe. In health sciences, biological and nutritional research provides evidence that can influence public health policies and educational interventions aimed at improving students' eating habits and lifestyle practices.
7) Campu:
Campus is a location where educational institution activities occur, housing students and faculty. It plays a significant role in students' social and academic lives. The study's context within a university campus highlights how the environment and available food choices influence students' dietary behaviors and overall health.
8) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses understanding and awareness of nutritional information and dietary practices. This study found that while students had high awareness of balanced nutrition and the food pyramid, they failed to implement this knowledge into their daily eating habits, indicating a gap between knowledge and practice.
9) Meat:
Meat refers to animal flesh consumed as food. It is a significant source of protein and essential nutrients. The study highlights dietary choices among students that often favor fast food or processed meals, which may include high meat content but lack balance with vegetables and fruits.
10) Developing:
Developing relates to the growth or progression in a timely manner. In the context of nutrition, developing awareness of healthy eating habits is essential to prevent obesity and related health issues among young people. The study aims to promote strategies for healthy living among university students during their critical transition period.
11) Rules:
Rules are guidelines or principles that govern behaviors and practices. In dietary contexts, nutritional guidelines serve as rules for healthy eating. Understanding these rules can assist students in making better food choices, promoting health and well-being while preventing diseases associated with poor dietary habits.
12) Diet:
Diet refers to the sum of food consumed by an individual. It plays a central role in both health and illness. The study emphasizes dietary patterns among university students, noting the prevalence of unhealthy eating habits, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, and reliance on fast foods, contributing to obesity.
13) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body. In the study's context, the focus includes non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are linked to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles among university students. Understanding the relationship between diet and disease is crucial for health promotion.
14) Cola:
Cola is a type of sweetened carbonated beverage that is often high in sugar and calories. The consumption of cola and similar beverages among students signifies high sugar intake, which is linked to obesity and other health issues, highlighting the necessity for promoting healthier drink alternatives.
15) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food that provides carbohydrates essential for energy. In the dietary habits of university students, rice may be consumed alongside other food groups. Identifying the balance of rice with vegetables and proteins in meals is crucial for maintaining health and preventing obesity.
16) Pur:
Poor refers to inadequate or substandard conditions. In dietary contexts, poor eating habits such as irregular meals, high fast-food consumption, and low intake of fruits and vegetables contribute to health issues like obesity and are appropriately highlighted in the study as significant areas for improvement among students.
17) Reason:
A reason is a justification or explanation for an action or behavior. Understanding the reasons behind students' food choices and dietary habits can inform effective health interventions and programs aimed at improving nutrition and reducing obesity rates, emphasizing the significance of behavioral insights in health promotion efforts.
18) Visit:
Visit refers to going to a place for a purpose, such as attending fast food outlets or restaurants. In the study, the frequency of visits to food outlets prevalent among students suggests a pattern of reliance on fast food, influencing their dietary quality and contributing to unhealthy weight gain.
19) Life:
Life encompasses the existence and experiences of individuals, including health and lifestyle choices. In the context of the study, university life represents a critical phase where students establish habits that can influence their long-term health, particularly regarding nutrition, physical activity, and body weight management.
20) Education:
Education sustains the process of acquiring knowledge and skills, which can influence health decisions. The study emphasizes the necessity for nutrition education to improve dietary habits among university students, proposing that educational programs could enhance understanding of healthy eating and lead to better health outcomes.
21) Attending:
Attending refers to being present at an event or location. In the study’s context, attending university signifies a transition into adulthood, bringing forth opportunities and challenges related to health and nutrition. Students' attendance at classes also connects with their eating habits and lifestyle practices.
22) Family:
Family plays a vital role in shaping dietary patterns and health behaviors. Regular family meals can promote healthy eating habits. The study touches on how family dynamics might influence university students' food choices and lifestyle, with shared meal times noted for their positive health impacts.
23) Sugar:
Sugar represents a simple carbohydrate that can contribute to high-calorie intake. The implications of sugar consumption among university students are concerning, as high sugar intake is linked with obesity and related health risks. Awareness of sugar's effects is crucial for promoting healthier dietary habits.
24) Salt (Salty):
Salt is an essential nutrient, but excessive intake can lead to health issues such as hypertension. The consumption of high-salt foods is prevalent among university students, often tied to convenience foods, thus increasing their risk of developing chronic health conditions associated with high sodium levels.
25) Calculation:
Calculation refers to a methodical approach to measuring values, which, in nutritional studies, includes calculating body mass index (BMI) to assess weight status. This study utilized calculations to categorize students into weight classifications, playing a key role in analyzing prevalence rates of obesity and health risks.
26) Measurement:
Measurement involves assessing quantities or dimensions. Accurate measurement techniques are vital in health studies to ascertain BMI, dietary intake, and physical activity levels among students. The reliability of this data impacts study outcomes, informing health interventions and promoting healthier lifestyles.
27) Reliability:
Reliability reflects the consistency and dependability of measurements or findings. In nutrition research, ensuring reliable data collection methods enhances the validity of conclusions regarding student eating habits, lifestyle practices, and their relationships with obesity, which is crucial for effective public health strategies.
28) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the comprehensive examination of findings in the context of existing literature. It allows researchers to interpret results, elaborate on implications for health behaviors, and propose solutions, such as dietary interventions for university students, aligning with public health objectives.
29) Practising (Practicing):
Practising involves the application of learned behaviors or skills. In terms of nutrition and health, university students may have knowledge about healthy eating yet may not be practising these habits consistently, emphasizing the need for support systems to encourage adherence to recommended diet and lifestyle choices.
30) Worry (Worried, Worrying):
Worrying refers to concerns regarding one's health or wellbeing. In the context of the study, the worrying prevalence of obesity among university students necessitates urgent attention. These concerns can motivate the implementation of effective health promotion initiatives to address poor eating habits and promote healthier lifestyles.
31) Desire:
Desire signifies a strong feeling of wanting something. In the context of nutrition, students may desire to lose weight or improve health but frequently struggle to translate that desire into practical actions. Understanding these aspirations can help tailor effective health promotion strategies.
32) Roman (Roma):
Roman may refer to cultural concepts or historical contexts influencing modern dietary habits. While less relevant in this specific study, understanding cultural influences on food choices could inform interventions aimed at improving healthy eating habits among diverse student populations.
33) Water:
Water is essential for survival and plays a crucial role in overall health. The students' hydration habits can directly impact their well-being. Recognizing the importance of adequate water intake is vital for developing health education strategies focused on hydration and its benefits for academic performance.
34) King:
King can reference authority or leadership. In a health context, it may denote the idea that nutrition is king when it comes to health. Emphasizing the critical role of proper diet in maintaining health and preventing disease could serve as a motivational mantra in public health campaigns.
35) Fear:
Fear often relates to anxiety or concern over potential negative outcomes. For university students, the fear of gaining weight or developing health issues can drive dietary choices. Addressing these fears through education can empower students to adopt healthier behaviors and manage stress effectively.
36) Post:
Post serves as a prefix indicating 'after' or 'following.' In this context, it refers to the aftermath of becoming a university student, during which new dietary and lifestyle patterns emerge. Understanding these transitions can help in developing appropriate health interventions for incoming students.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Dietary Habits and Lifestyle of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Students’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
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