25th Annual Student Research Conference
The Nutritional Knowledge and Attitudes of College Students
Khrysta A. Baig*, Jennifer R. Zweifel, and Stephanie R. Bergt
Dr. Joseph Visker, Faculty Mentor
Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are killers which have been linked with long-term dietary habits. College is a time when young adults begin to establish their own dietary habits away from parental influence. Knowledge and attitudes are important components of decision making. The purpose of this study was to better understand if a correlation exists between nutrition health concerns and the nutritional knowledge of college students. A survey was constructed to assess knowledge and attitudes about nutritional health. It was administered to186 participants at a small Midwest university; 181 completed surveys were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed to assess nutrition label reading, attitudes and knowledge compared to participant gender, and nutritional health priority. A weak positive correlation was found between nutrition knowledge and attitudes. In general, both genders had similar attitudes and knowledge scores. Females had higher scores for nutritional priority. More nutrition education is needed to improve nutritional knowledge.
Keywords: Nutritional Knowledge, College Health, Nutrition Attitudes, Nutrition Facts Label
Topic(s):Health Science
Psychology
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 600-4
Location: Georgian Room - SUB
Time: 3:30