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Is field of study or location associated with college students' snacking patterns?
Laura H McArthur1, Donald Holbert, William Forsythe
1Department of Dietetics, Fashion Merchandising & Hospitality, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA.
Journal of Obesity
|January 31, 2012
Summary
College students' snacking habits were similar on and off campus, regardless of their major. Key barriers to healthy choices included cost and availability, with few high-fiber snacks consumed.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Student dietary habits significantly impact overall health and academic performance.
- Understanding snacking patterns is crucial for developing targeted nutritional interventions in university settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare on-campus and off-campus snacking behaviors among college students.
- To investigate differences in snacking patterns between students in health-related fields (HRFs) and non-health-related fields (NHRFs).
Main Methods:
- Utilized a snack frequency questionnaire, self-efficacy scales, and a snack knowledge test (SKT).
- Assessed barriers, self-efficacy, and stage of change for healthy snacking in 513 students (46% HRFs, 54% NHRFs).
- Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated, with 32.2% identified as overweight/obese.
Main Results:
- Popular snack choices included soft drinks (on-campus), low-fat milk (off-campus), and sports drinks for both groups.
- Cost and availability were identified as primary barriers to healthy snacking.
- Students reported lower self-efficacy in choosing healthy snacks when emotionally distressed.
- A majority of students (75% HRFs, 65% NHRFs) were in the action stage of change for healthy snacking.
- Health-related fields students scored higher on the snack knowledge test.
Conclusions:
- Snacking patterns were not strongly influenced by campus location or field of study.
- Common snacking patterns lacked sufficient high-fiber food intake.
- Interventions addressing cost, availability, and emotional eating triggers may improve student nutrition.
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