Dietary Habits of Female University Students

A study analyzed the dietary habits of female college students to assess their micronutrient deficiencies and excesses. The results showed observations of iron deficiency and folate excess. Iron is essential for oxygen transportation in the body. The study highlighted the need for further research on inadequate nutrition among college students to inform health interventions.

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EXAMINING DIETARY INTAKE AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Institution
Student
Date
Word Count: 1407

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EXAMINING DIETARY INTAKE AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Introduction
Unhealthy dietary propensities are one of the most significant risk determinants for
chronic diseases and obesity, especially if adopted in early adulthood. Unhealthy dietary is
becoming more frequent because of the nutritious change that is influencing populaces over
developing nations where more westernized dietary examples are dynamically supplanting
customary dietary that contain more healthy foods (12). This transition in nutrition seems to
affect mostly university students; different reports from developed nations have demonstrated
that students are leaving their parent’s homes and living nearer to the vicinity of their respective
school encounter various health associated behavioral alterations, including the appropriation of
unhealthy dietary propensities. These practices are credited to severe environmental changes (6),
availability, and affordability of unhealthy diets making them better preference to students,
leading to high intake of fast foods that contain high levels of calories, and lower consumption of
vegetables and fruits. Skipping meals is also frequent. Studies in different universities across the
nation reveal that students eating habits are unfavorably being affected by environmental factors
resulting in alarming rates of chronic diseases, high metabolic risk factors, and obesity (4), (10).
Gender contrasts in eating and nutrient intakes have been stated in scientific literature in
countries like the US, Canada, and England. Other research in universities in Australia has
shown the prevalence of dietary habits in female students. Youthful female students are in
danger of nutrient deficiency because of unhealthy eating behaviors and higher needs for
micronutrients, for example, folate and iron particularly in the periconceptional period (4), (11).
Some young ladies' dietary examples which incorporate the evasion of poultry and meat that is
rich in micronutrients, and social impacts, for example, they aim at lower BMI regardless of
having a BMI in the typical range bringing about eating fewer carbs, could facilitate contrarily
effect their supplement status and related health results. Therefore, this study aimed to highlight
dietary behaviors, sedentary patterns, and nutritional status specifically in females (12).
Participants of the Study
In this study discussion from focus groups were utilized. 165 students from Deakin
University were recruited from second to the fourth year of the university. First-year students
were excluded given their ‘limited’ experience of campus life.
Methods and Procedure

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A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 300 students the students were females.
Since random selection was not possible, a researcher approached students leaving classrooms
during their break and lunch hours (11). The researcher explained the aims of the study and those
that showed interest and gave consent through word of mouth were asked to answer the self-
administered questionnaire over the weekend and submit it the following week to the Health
Faculty at the University of Deakin.
The questionnaire had questions on dietary intakes of calcium, nutrient intakes using a 3-
day food record and physical activity assessments. The participating students were assured of
their anonymity during the study. Out of the 300 students handed the questionnaire 165 (55%)
returned the survey forms to the field researcher, thus providing a sizable sample to be analyzed.
Methods used for assessments were cutoff and probability.
Assessment of Dietary Intake
The self-administered calcium questionnaires and the 3-day food record questionnaire
included food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that examined the normal students' dietary intake.
The FFQ included questions on foods rich in calcium like milk (whole, low-fat, skim, soy milk,
milk in tea/coffee and milk in cereal), cheese, yogurt, and seafood. The FFQ asked how many
times in a day the participant took the specified food (8). The questionnaire was derived from a
similar questionnaire administered in the Australian population and Dietary guidelines for
Australian adults.
Anthropometric Data
To take part in the anthropometric assessment, participants were first asked to give
consent of their body measurements being recorded. Those that agreed have been invited to work
in groups of fours. All the body composition was conducted in the laboratory. To measure the
circumference a tape measure was used, and for body mass and height a body mass index
machine was used. Results from the comparison of anthropometrics measures against the self-
report enabled calculation of the equation for the corrected report of nutrient intakes for female
students. An Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for each nutrient was set where a
Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) could be derived.
A body mass index (BMI) was calculated subsequently together with their heights and
weights. None the less a trained field worker conducted the measurements using standardized
techniques. The Harpenden caliper was used to assess skin fold in bicep, triceps, subscapular

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skinfold, and Iliac crest skinfold. All anthropometric assessment of participants’ bodies were
done by three separate observers to ensure accuracy.
Physical Activity Assessment
The participants self-examined their physical activities and energy expenditure by feeling
a questionnaire. This exercise was aimed at comparing the estimated individual activity level and
energy expenditure with the Australian population norms. The physical activities were assessed
through times a person walks and for how long the walk last. The other activities included non-
household chores like gardening aerobics and cycling.
Data Analysis
Data was presented in Microsoft Excel sheet, and the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences version 23.0 (SPSS, Inc, Chicago IL, USA) was used for data analysis and
interpretation. Participant’s t-tests were carried to assess comparisons of fat in skin fold and fat
in BIA. The correlation was performed using Pearsons correlation method.
Findings
A total of 164 female students participated in the study. The student’s average age was
22.9 years. Mean BMI was (21.5 ± 2.8 kg/m2). Inadequate iron status was common with a 49.15
showing a risk of iron deficiency. Related to the respective range in the reference, 23.17% of the
student participants had inadequate zinc concentrations (3). At the point when Hb level stratified
press biomarker focuses, the predominance of hypoferritinemia (<15 μg/L) and transferrin
immersion (<15%) expanded (X2, p < 0.01) in those with Hb < 120 g/L when contrasted with the
ones with Hb ≥ 120 g/L (4). As per the environmental standards, a system of components
affecting eating (incl. savoring) habits of students in universities was produced given substance
investigation of the concentration aggregate discussions. The system comprises of four
exceptional levels, that is, social condition (relational), individual (intrapersonal), physical
condition (group backgrounds), large-scale condition, and an extra standard of college traits. The
most proper quotes were delineated each (sub) section (5).

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Table (i) Percentage of female class population at risk of deficiency of various nutrients
(using EAR cut-point method and probability approach.
Using three-
day record
only
N below EAR % below EAR Method
Calcium 115 70.12% Using Cut-point method
Folate 57 34.76%
Vitamin C 15 9.15%
Zinc women 38 23.17%
Iron Women 49.15%
Using Probability approach
for iron
Table (ii) Anthropometric graph
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
Participant no
Height (cm)
Weight (kg)
Waist (cm)
BMI
Discussion
Utilizing a scope of biomarkers, the study of the female university students depicted the
nutritional situation of picked micronutrients. Selection of a certain good gathering took into

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consideration the evaluation of nutrient status and analysis of connections between
micronutrients autonomously of any noteworthy health confounders (9). The concentration of the
examination was the assurance of micronutrient status in youthful female college students since
this group is in danger of insufficiency as a result of the higher micronutrient prerequisites for
support of metabolic stores and expanded necessity conceivably because of lactation. The
outcomes from the present examination demonstrated a high occurrence of iron deficiency status
with the most well-known irregularity being hyperferritinemia. The predominance of elevated E-
folate concentration was also a common finding (2).
Dietary patterns of the study revealed that fast foods were not related to BMI status of the
participants but had a significant relation to low caloric/vegetarian diet. This could be because
obese participants may have cut down intake of high caloric foods with the aim to reduce weight.
It may also be because of there may be cases of underreporting among student p[articipants that
are obese.
The observation made from the physical activities assessment showed that more students
might be consuming unhealthy dietary. This is based on the results that indicated students with
low or moderate physical activities consumed more energy dense foods with the mean energy
expand AAQ being 2279.84 kJ.
The results of this study need to be interpreted with a lot of caution as the participants
may have altered their eating habits due to the research. Another limitation of this study may be
that for the use of students as participants it has to be noted that the students had an interested in
this research, that may have caused an assortment prejudice. However, the sample features
perceived health status and showed sufficient BMI. Additionally, the issue raised most every
now and again is not the most essential, notwithstanding when it is raised by a bigger number of
individuals. Every thought or supposition ought to be similarly valued. Consequently, future
investigations, utilizing greater agent test estimate, should concentrate on giving quantitative
proof concerning the significance and estimation of every determinant, making it likewise
conceivable to separate as indicated by sex, year in school, examine train or other students
attributes. Along these lines, future customed intercessions could concentrate on those
circumstances students encounter as most determinative in their modern eating habit.
Critique of methods

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Dietary Assessment Method
Methods used to assess dietary intakes was the cutoff mode. The strengths of this
approach lay in the fact that individual participants’ dietary intakes cannot be contrasted with
particular requirements of each person. A significant problem with this approach identified in the
study was that the cut-off point might have misclassified individuals whose intake is below the
cutoff but may meet their requirements such individuals may have been classified to be at risk of
iron deficiency while they were not.
Anthropometric method
The different observers recorded all measurements to make sure that the data was
accurate. Students were required to enter their information in the laboratory computers. This may
have presented a possible flaw as data entered by every individual may not be identical to data
recorded owing human error.
Physical activity assessment
The technique used to assess physical activities of the participating students was Active
Australia Survey. The advantage of this method is that it gave the participants great certainties
with answers of whether activities happened or did not occur. The most significant challenge
with the approach is that participants may have appeared inactive while they were active through
household chores and other work-related activities.
Conclusion
Based on the study analysis female students participants there was an observation of
micronutrient deficiencies and excesses like iron deficiency and excess of folate status. Iron in
the body helps in the transportation of oxygen which means if there is a deficient supply of iron
the body does not get enough good oxygen conveying red platelets (1), (2). The measure of the
effect on the health of compound micronutrients lacks and abundances on well-being results are
of concern. Extra research is expected to address inadequate nourishment in this people so that
convincing general health interventions can be created.

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