In a recent study published in the journal Nutrientsresearchers investigated perceptions and barriers related to healthy eating among undergraduate students in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HND) and Food Science and Technology (FST) programs in Spain.
They found differences in how men and women, as well as students at different academic stages, defined healthy eating, with the main barriers including family eating patterns, time constraints and emotional states, highlighting the importance of addressing these perceptions in the education of the future. nutrition and food science professionals.
Study: What is a healthy diet? An exploratory study among Nutrition and Food Science students. Image credit: udra11 / Shutterstock
Record
In modern industrialized societies, the discourse around healthy eating has intensified, driven by concerns about changing population demographics, increased rates of obesity, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
Despite efforts by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governments such as the European Union to promote healthy eating, there is no universal definition of what constitutes a healthy diet, with interpretations varying based on factors such as gender, age and culture . Record.
Healthcare and food-related professionals, including dietitians and food scientists, play a key role in promoting healthy eating. However, their perceptions of healthy eating may vary widely and may influence their practices.
Understanding these perceptions is crucial, particularly during their formative education, to ensure that academic programs adequately address diverse attitudes towards healthy eating.
About the study
This study investigated the perceptions and barriers related to healthy eating among undergraduate students on HND and FST programs at a Spanish university.
The study used an exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional design, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies to understand students’ perceptions of food and healthy eating.
A convenience sample of male and female students enrolled in HND and FST programs at the University of Barcelona was selected. Data collection included a questionnaire based on previous research and focus group discussions.
Thematic analysis was conducted on focus group transcripts to identify key themes. The finalized questionnaire was administered online and yielded 300 complete responses.
Statistical analysis, performed using SPSS, revealed significant differences in perceptions between gender and academic year groups.
Descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations, were used, and chi-square tests were used to determine significant differences in response frequencies at the 5% significance level.
Foundings
The study revealed several key findings about college students’ perceptions of health, body, and nutrition. The majority of students perceived themselves to be in good health and recognized the impact of food consumption on health.
While most students considered their diet to be healthy, differences emerged between HND and FST students regarding the ease of maintaining a healthy diet and the importance of personal will to do so.
HND students tended to believe that their diet was healthier and easier to maintain compared to FST students, who placed more emphasis on personal willpower. In addition, significant differences were observed between gender and academic year groups in health perceptions, body image and barriers to adopting a healthy diet.
Barriers to healthy eating by gender.
Qualitatively, students emphasized the importance of variety, balance, moderation and personalization in healthy eating, often associating it with a Mediterranean dietary pattern and considering it beyond simply following dietary guidelines.
However, some FST students highlighted a perceived conflict between healthy eating and personal pleasure, suggesting a dichotomy between health and pleasure in food choices.
Quantitatively, statistical analysis revealed differences in the importance attached to various healthy eating factors between HND and FST students and in different academic years.
Furthermore, significant gender differences were found in perceptions of barriers to adopting a healthy diet, with emotional states and dietary choice autonomy being more influential for women, while lack of autonomy was more influential for men.
Overall, the study highlights the complexity of perceptions around health, nutrition and barriers to healthy eating among college students, highlighting the need for individualized approaches and tailored interventions to promote healthy eating practices.
conclusions
The study examines the perceptions of healthy eating among HND and FST university students in Spain, highlighting the prevailing belief about the healthiness of their diet, particularly among HND students.
It identifies a trend toward individual responsibility in food choices influenced by social norms and aesthetic ideals. While both groups prioritize balance and variety, FST students emphasize fresh and natural foods, while HND students value the pleasure of eating.
Barriers to healthy eating include family habits, time constraints and emotional states. The study suggests the need for critical examination of attitudes during student training and the development of strategies to address environmental and individual factors.
However, limitations include a single institution sample and potential bias in data collection methods, suggesting the need for broader, more diverse research approaches in future studies.
