Growing green minds: Academic belonging and sustainable dietary behaviors among nutrition and dietetics students

BackgroundSustainable dietary behaviors represent essential lifestyle practices that encompass both individual health and environmental responsibility. It is suggested that students' connection with their academic environment may influence the development of such behaviors. However, there is limited evidence, particularly in Türkiye, on the relationship between academic belonging and sustainable dietary behaviors among Nutrition and Dietetics students. This study addresses this gap.AimThis study aims to examine the relationship between the level of academic belonging and sustainable dietary behaviors among students enrolled in Nutrition and Dietetics programs.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 483 third- and fourth-year Nutrition and Dietetics students from universities in Ankara. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Academic Belonging Scale and the Sustainable Dietary Behavior Scale. Data were analyzed using t-tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analyses.SummaryA strong and statistically significant correlation was found between academic belonging and sustainable dietary behaviors (<i>r</i> = 0.57, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Regression analysis identified academic belonging (β = 0.498, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and age (β = 0.599, <i>p</i> = 0.004) as the strongest predictors. Academic belonging was significantly associated with professional identification, higher GPA, and choosing the department as a first preference (p < 0.05). Awareness of sustainability and corresponding food choices were found to enhance both academic and environmental responsibility. Overall, academic belonging significantly influences sustainable dietary behaviors among Nutrition and Dietetics students, underscoring the need for educational processes that extend beyond knowledge transmission to foster environmental awareness and professional identity.