Determinants of nutrition knowledge among student migrants in West Midlands, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background Dietary habits play a significant role in health and well-being. Nutritional knowledge can influence dietary habits. This study investigated the level of nutrition knowledge and factors affecting nutrition knowledge among student migrants in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. Method Data were collected from 372 participants using the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ). The effects of gender, length of UK residency, program and level of study, marital status, and history of diet-related diseases on nutrition knowledge were assessed. Results The students generally demonstrated good nutrition knowledge. The overall mean score was 52.3 ± 2.4, and the median score was 54. Mean scores for dietary recommendations (11.9±0.4, 348 participants), food classification (21.3±1.0, 264 participants) and diet-related diseases/weight management (13.2±0.6, 324 participants) are indicative of good nutrition knowledge. Poor knowledge of food choices was observed (5.9±0.4, 156 participants). Females, postgraduates, and married students, as well as those with ≤3 years of UK residency, had higher mean scores compared to those in the opposite groups. BMI and a history of diet-related diseases did not significantly affect nutritional knowledge. Conclusion Gender, level and type of study, marital status, and length of stay in the UK were predictors of good nutrition knowledge. Interventions to improve the knowledge of food choices among student migrants are needed.