Change in nutrition during the session of students at the Vietnam National University in Hanoi

Objective: to study the dietary habits among student youth and identify the risk group for the development of a cariogenic oral cavity based on nutritional parameters. Materials and methods: the survey included 199 students (89 male, 100 female). Among them, 49 were second-year students, 41 were third-year students, 52 were fourth-year students, and 57 were fifth-year students. All participants were students at Vietnam National University in Hanoi. The mean age of respondents was 22 years. An anonymous questionnaire was administered in paper format in respondent’s native language (Vietnamese). The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions, students could select multiple options from predefined answers or write in their preferences. Responses were statistically analyzed using StatTech software version 4.5.0 (Russian Federation). Results: breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal (25 students (12,6 %)). Most students adhered to three main daily meal, 140 (70,4%) reported frequent snacking. Bubble-tea was preferred by 77 participants (38,7%), with sweet foods being the dominant preference overall. During examination periods, 67 students (33,7%) altered their dietary habits, of whom 65 (97% of this subgroup) consumed instant noodles (Doshirak). Conclusion: implementation of nutritional education initiatives and restriction of sugar-sweetened beverage sales in university canteens, recommended replace them with water and unsweetened juices.