An Analysis of University Students’ Attitudes Toward Healthy Eating

This study aimed to examine the attitudes towards healthy eating among students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Mardin Artuklu University. The research was conducted using a survey model, a quantitative research method, and included a total of 315 university students (127 women and 188 men) who voluntarily participated. A personal information form and the Healthy Eating Attitude Scale were used as data collection tools. The data obtained were evaluated using independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlation analysis. According to the research findings, female students' scores were found to be higher than male students only in the “Poor Eating (KB)” sub-dimension. Regarding the age variable, it was determined that students aged 26 and over had lower total scores on the Knowledge About Nutrition (BHB), Positive Eating (OB), KB, and Healthy Eating Attitude Scale (SBITO) scales compared to younger groups. Regarding housing status, students living in dormitories had higher total SBITO scores than those living in family homes. Regarding class level, a significant difference was found only in the “BHB” sub-dimension; however, a significant difference was found in the “Feelings About Nutrition (BYD)” sub-dimension in the smoking variable. It was determined that students who did not engage in physical activity had higher “BYD” scores than those who did. In conclusion, it has been shown that university students' attitudes towards nutrition are influenced by individual and environmental factors such as graduation anxiety, transition to adulthood, economic independence, and housing situation. Based on these findings, it is recommended that healthy eating awareness training be provided, cafeteria menus be diversified and supported with healthy options, and support on stress management and future anxiety be offered, especially for final-year students.