2010 Student Research Conference:
23rd Annual Student Research Conference

Eating Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Undergraduate College Students
Molly A. Jones* and Stephanie M. Birch
Dr. Joseph Visker, Faculty Mentor

The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of undergraduate students towards healthy eating behaviors. Over 300 students from a small Midwestern University completed a 22-item survey. Results from the nine-item knowledge scale yielded a mean of 4.76 correct answers (SD = 1.145). Results from the attitude component revealed that 82.3% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed eating healthy was important for them, 30.4% agreed or strongly agreed eating healthy was easy for them, and 75.03% agreed or strongly agreed they wanted to change their eating habits. Approximately 39% reported they ate 2,100 2,500 calories per day, and 48.3% reported 600 800 calories could be considered non-nutritional. Attitudes towards eating were generally positive (m = 22.02 on a 0-30 point scale; SD = 3.485). The existing knowledge of nutrition was low, even amongst those enrolled in a health education course.

Keywords: nutrition, undergraduate, survey, healthy eating, knowledge, attitude, behavior, health 195

Topic(s):Health Science

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 5-4
Location: SUB-GEO
Time: 4:15

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