Nutrition and health behaviors of college students

Nutrition‐related diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Limited information exists regarding diet and health behaviors in college‐aged male and females; a population making the transition to adulthood when dietary and health behaviors are being formed. This study involved over 400 students enrolled in an introductory nutrition course at the Univ. of New Hampshire from January to August 2005. This population included 159 males (36%) and 278 females (64%). Mean age of males was 20.1±1.43 years and females was 19.5±1.24. Each completed a confidential survey requesting information on alcohol consumption, tobacco use, exercise and dietary practices. The majority of subjects reported that nutrition was very important to their health (80.7% of males and 89.3% of females). In support of this, most refrained from smoking (84.7% of men and 94.3% of females). In contrast, detrimental behaviors were reported in a significant number of subjects. Over 40% reported skipping four or more meals a week, 80% consumed < 5 servings or fruits and vegetables, and 70% consumed < 3 servings of dairy products a day. Twenty‐five percent of males and 3.1% of females reported drinking more than 14 servings of alcohol per week. Four or more episodes of binge drinking in the last two weeks were reported by 20.1% of males and 8.4% of women. Only 33% of the males and 23% of the females exercised ≥ 30 minutes a day. The results of this study indicate that college students have an awareness of the importance of diet and health, but do not consistently practice these behaviors thus increasing their future health risks. Supported in part by Office of Sustainability, NH Agricultural Experiment Station #11R571