Nutrition Differences 1

Nutrition Differences 1

Introduction

Much research shows college students are not engaging in healthful dietary practices (DeBate, Topping, & Sargent, 2001; Haberman & Luffey, 1998; Huang, Song, Schemmel, & Hoerr, 1994; Johnston, Solomon, & Corte, 1998; Schuette, Song, & Hoerr, 1996). This past research indicates college student’s eating habits are an important concern. Specifications for what adults should be consuming every day are not reflected upon the college population. The United States Department of Agriculture outlines an appropriate amount of nutritious food in the Food Guide Pyramid (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1992). The purpose of the Food Guide Pyramid is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many college students are not eating sufficient servings of the foods recommended in the Food Guide Pyramid (Haberman & Luffey, 1998; Schuette, Song, & Hoerr, 1996). Instead, several studies suggest, college students are eating higher than recommended quantities of saturated fat and total fat; but are not eating enough fruits and vegetables (DeBate, Topping, & Sargent, 2001; Haberman & Luffey, 1998; Munoz & Krebs-Smith, 1997; Schuette, Song, & Hoerr, 1996). Not receiving adequate nutrition is a problem for the college population.

Investigating the dietary practices of college students is important because many negative eating habits continue after graduation (Haberman & Luffey, 1998). An unhealthy diet is associated with a variety of health problems such as obesity, hypertension, Type II diabetes, and depression (Gardner & Hausenblas, 2004; Munoz & Krebs-Smith, 1997).

Many college students are not consuming a sufficient amount of nutritious foods in their diets. Poor eating habits help explain why many students are not healthy individuals (Haberman & Luffey, 1998; Huang, Song, Schemmel, & Hoerr, 1994). Examining the differences between healthful and unhealthful dietary practices among college students is an important preventive measure for future health issues. Past research has investigated possible reasons why college students eat unhealthy. Studies found the failure of college students to eat healthful diets could be due to frequent meal skipping (DeBate, Topping, & Sargent, 2001; Horwath, 1991), inadequate variety of foods (Huang, Song, Schemmel, & Hoerr, 1994; Schuette, Song, & Hoerr, 1996), and decreased self-efficacy in making healthful food choices (DeBate, Topping, & Sargent, 2001; Johnston, Solomon, & Corte, 1998).

The purpose of this study is to identify the nutritional behaviors among college students in order to develop an effective student health promotion program. This study is conducting an analysis comparing the eating behaviors of college students. Our specific objective is to investigate the differences in food selection between students who bring their food from home and those who purchase their food on campus. The hypothesis is expected to show students who purchase food on campus do not consume as many nutritious foods as outlined by the food guide pyramid. The availability of nutritious foods recommended by the food guide pyramid is not offered on the university campus. This study may indicate more nutritious foods need to be implemented on campus. Investigating this topic will compare students’ dietary behaviors and their overall nutrition.