Knowledge, attitude and practice on nutrition and dietary habits among nursing students

Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding nutrition and dietary habits among nursing students.Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2023 and November 2023. The study included 180 nursing students from various academic levels. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed that the overall knowledge level of the participants on nutrition was moderate, with a mean score of 3.152±0.297 on a five-point Likert scale. Attitudes towards nutrition varied, with distinct dietary patterns identified among participants. Principal component analysis revealed four dietary patterns, each associated with different food consumption habits. While some dietary patterns were associated with healthier attitudes, others showed mixed correlations. Dietary practices among nursing students indicated varying levels of adherence to healthy behaviours. For example, approximately half of the participants reported regular exercise, while less than half consumed breakfast daily. Additionally, only 46.1% of participants reported daily vegetable consumption, while 28.3% reported daily fruit consumption. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to improve nutrition knowledge and promote healthier dietary behaviours among nursing students.