Nutritional awareness and dietary habits among college students

This empirical study examines the level of nutritional awareness and dietary habits among college students in an urban setting. Recognizing that this is a critical period for establishing lifelong dietary behaviors, the research aims to assess students' knowledge of nutrition and evaluate how this awareness influences their eating patterns. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a sample of 300 college students. Self-administered structured questionnaire were used for data collection covering demographic details, nutritional awareness, and dietary habits. This study revealed a moderate level of nutritional awareness among students, with a mean score of 12.6 out of 20. Despite this, the prevalence of unhealthy dietary practices remained high, with 48% of students consuming fast food at least three times a week, 58% regularly skipping breakfast, and only 32% meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. The study found a positive association significantly between nutritional awareness and healthy dietary habits, indicating that while knowledge positively influences eating behaviors, it alone is insufficient to drive consistent healthy choices. The findings underscore the need of campus-based nutritional education programs and the integration of nutrition literacy initiatives into university curricula. These measures are crucial for bridging the gap between awareness and practice, promoting healthier lifestyles, and mitigating future health risks among college students.