A Primary Nursing Perspective on Healthy Eating for Tertiary Education Students: Identifying Problem Areas

Theofanidis D, Fountouki A, Konstantinidou C and Kotrotsiou S

Published on: 2022-07-24

Abstract

Food consumption and eating behaviors are great determinants of health as they are closely related to the incidence and prevalence of chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Although healthy eating is a widespread notion, the principles are not often followed, due to time, financial, social, and other constraints. The purpose of this discussion paper is to identify the main factors that influence food choices made by tertiary education students and critically elaborate on their circumstances in relation to food, health, and knowledge.

Methods: A systematic, critical appraisal of the literature was undertaken via: Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, Cochrane Library and Cinahl by use of combinations of the following key words: diet, eating habits, food choices and students from 2000-2020.

Results and Discussion: The normal regulation of food intake is primarily hunger and satiety which is regulated mainly by the hypothalamic centers. In addition, knowledge, deriving from education, has a significant impact on the food choices and health status for many students. Furthermore, food choices are affected mainly by culture and religion and individual likes and dislikes. These apply to all groups and categories of people across the globe. Early student life is a transitional phase where challenging circumstances and multiple demands affect personal attitudes and behaviors towards food and drink choices.

Conclusions: This discussion paper clearly demonstrates that there are many factors which influence food attitudes and choices of students. Some of these include nutritional knowledge, eating attitudes, biological and genetic factors, psychological and social factors, plus physical and personal factors. Availability and price also are of importance, so too the understanding and use of food labels. It is suggested that students should have freshman classes in ways to maintain health through a conscious choice of or healthful foods and drinks.