Open AccessDietary Habits and Physical Exercise among Nursing Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Author(s) -
Bothyna Zakaria Murshid
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advances in research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2348-0394
DOI - 10.9734/air/2022/v23i230326
Subject(s) - overweight , medicine , obesity , cross sectional study , environmental health , physical activity , gerontology , family medicine , psychology , physical therapy , pathology
College students can make inappropriate food choices owing to a lack of nutritional knowledge and understanding of dietary requirements. Increasing physical inactivity among college students is also a serious public health problem. To assess dietary habits and physical exercise among nursing students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In 2018, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a single college in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a convenience sample of 104 level-4—or second year—undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected using a three-part self-assessment questionnaire. More than one-third of the students were overweight; two-thirds consumed unhealthy snacks, and most failed to drink enough water and were physically inactive. The prevalence of overweight and obesity suggests the significance of frequent educational campaigns and seminars on healthy eating and physical activity. Also, further research is needed to assess college students’ knowledge and attitudes about healthy diet and the importance of regular physical exercise.