20th Annual Student Research Conference
Human Potential and Performance
College student’s knowledge of portion size changes
Jennifer L. Salmon* and Cassandra J. Morrow
Prof. Liz Jorn, Faculty Mentor
The purpose of this study was to investigate college student’s knowledge of portion size changes. Females (n=64, age=18.75±0.8yr, weight=148.4±28.9lbs) and males (n=23, age=19.1±1.2yr, weight=170.3±41.4lbs) were asked to complete a portion size knowledge survey as part of a required lifetime health class at a small, Midwestern university. The multiple choice survey consisted of 14 questions and students scored on average 4.9±1.6 questions correctly or 35%. An independent t-test indicated that there was no significant difference (t=.097, p>0.05) between the survey score for males and females or between the scores of students who live on or off-campus (t=.520, p>0.05). A Pearson Correlation also indicated that there was no significant difference between the survey score and BMI. Higher BMI was not associated with less knowledge. Results of this study indicate that college students could benefit from nutritional education programs that focus on portion sizes and calorie control.
Keywords: Portion Sizes, College Students, Students' Knowledge
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 2-3
Location: OP Lobby
Time: 4:15 pm