University Student Health: An Analysis of Eating Habits and Challenges

This report investigates the health and eating habits of university students through interviews with three individuals from different backgrounds and programs of study. The interviews reveal that time constraints due to demanding schedules (classes and part-time jobs), financial limitations, and a lack of nutritional education significantly influence students' dietary choices, often leading to reliance on fast food and unhealthy options. The study highlights the need for universities to educate students about proper nutrition and time management to promote healthier lifestyles and overall well-being. The appendix includes the interview questions and photos with interviewees.

Running Head: University Students Health and Eating Habits 1
University Students Health and Eating Habits
Name of Student
Name of Institution
Name of Course
Name of instructor
Date of Submission

University Students Health and Eating Habits 2
Introduction
Campus life comprises various elements which accompany the basic objective of learning
and graduating and the end of a course period. While in the university, the student ought to stay
healthy and hence strong enough for the myriad activities which take place on a daily basis
(Eisenberg & Eschenfelder, 2009). Proper feeding habits are a crucial function of sound health.
Various factors tend to influence individual eating habits (Keddy, 2007). These may range from
social, economical or physiological aspects. In this paper a research based analysis shall be
carried out which highlights the issue of student health and eating habits in the university.
Description of interviewees
The conversation involved three individuals who were picked based on their availability
and willingness to respond to the questions as outlined in the questionnaire. The first respondent,
Kim is a 23 year old electrical engineering student in his 3rd year. Kim is an international student
from China who spends most of his time studying for exams and has a little time cooking in his
room. His tight work schedule means he entirely depends on fast foods and take-aways in
restaurants which is quite unhealthy and can be expensive as well. The second respondent is
Khai, a civil engineering student in his third year. He is also an international student from
Vietman who besides his studies has a part time job in a construction site. This leaves him very
little time to prepare his own food hence depends on fast foods.
The third respondent is Bao, a 2nd year local student taking a double degree in business
and engineering. With the many classes, he has no time to take a good meal which leaves him
depending on fast foods as well. The three respondents have varied eating habits. These habits

University Students Health and Eating Habits 3
could be attributed to a number of factors hence based on their responses; it is possible to deduce
a trend in eating habits among university students.
Justification for the type of questions
The fact that the three individuals belonged to a relatively lower age group made it quite
easy to interact with them and hence gain information through questions. They were not only
outgoing but also remained positive throughout the interviewing process. This made it easy for
the researcher to delve into further questions and ask for clarification in cases where the
responses were not clear enough. In addition, the set of questions were carefully reviewed to
ensure that they never breached deep into the interviewees’ privacy. This perhaps explains why
the individuals were more than willing to give their responses on the questions asked. In addition
to the written questionnaire, the interviewees’ flexibility gave enough from for the use of oral
interview. The oral option remained pivotal in covering up for the aspects of the research which
had not been adequately addressed through the written questions.
The open ended questions were more effective in obtaining information from the
interviewees. This is because these types of questions gave the interviewees a wide space for
expression. As compared to the closed ended questions which require direct and brief responses,
the open ended ones allow the individuals more space to elaborate on the key elements of their
responses regarding the research problem. This in turn allows the researcher to gain more
information which can then be analyzed to deduce a specific trend with respect to the research
issue.

University Students Health and Eating Habits 4
Insights gained about the problem
The interview process was successful and effective. The required information regarding
the research issue was obtained. From these conversations, it was possible to deduce some of the
major factors which influence university students eating habits and by extension their health
(Dempsey, 2007). To begin with, most students in the university pick the fast foods as the best
option due to lack of enough time for proper meals. This could be attributed to the highly
demanding daily schedules like attending classes and doing part time jobs. The fast food
comprises unhealthy menus which when added to the bad working conditions leads to health
problems among the students (Kissane, 2007). The second insight gained is the fact that most
university students tend to cling to cheaper foodstuff and menu due to lack of enough money for
proper meals. This could be explained by the rising need for side hustles to raise enough money
for survival in campus. The last emerging issue from the research process is that a good number
of university students embrace eating habits which are unhealthy due to lack of exposure and
education on proper feeding habits.
The students are keener on their courses and profession at the expense of a crucial
element which is proper nutrition. This causes health complications. There is therefore a need to
educate the university students on proper eating habits and good time balancing to give room for
feeding on healthy menus. This helps in keeping the students healthy and strong enough to
accomplish the daily responsibilities while in the university (Berg & Huebner, 2011).

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Appendix
1. What do you find as one of the biggest challenges you face in the university?
2. What are the differences in the challenges you faced in high school and in the university?
3. Which is your favorite food?
4. How would you describe your overall eating habits in the university?
5. Have your eating habits changed since you left high school? Is there a difference between
them?
6. Where do you go if you want something to eat in the university?
7. Do you pack your lunch or buy food while at the university?
8. What kinds of food do you pack for university?
9. What kinds of food do you buy?
10. How much would you spend on food in week at the university?
11. Do you notice any changes in food habits e.g. influence of stress and exam periods?
12. Do you believe there are enough healthy food options available in campus?
13. What influences you to purchase rather than bring lunch?

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Picture with Kim
Picture with Khai
Picture with Bao

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Kissane, R. J.(2007). What's need got to do with it? Barriers to use of nonprofit social services.
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