Assessing the relationship between nutrition literacy and eating behaviors among nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Eating behavior is an essential aspect of life that can have long-term effects on health outcomes. Nutrition literacy is crucial for better health and well-being. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their nutrition and take control of their eating habits. Objectives This study aimed to assess the relationship between nutritional literacy and eating behavior among nursing students at the nursing faculties of Ardabil University of medical sciences. Methods A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Ardabil province, northwest Iran. The study collected data through simple random sampling at nursing schools in Ardabil province, with 224 nursing students participating. The study collected data from a demographic information form, the nutritional literacy self-assessment questionnaire for students (NL-SF12), and the adult eating behavior questionnaire (AEBQ). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 14.0 software. Results Based on the results, nutritional literacy explains 44% of the variance in eating behavior and shows significant explanatory power in two sub-scales of eating behavior. The adjusted R2 values for food approach and food avoidance scales were 0.33 and 0.27, respectively. Conclusion Given the significant relationship between nutritional literacy and eating behaviors among nursing students, nursing faculty managers and health policymakers should develop new public health strategies to increase nutritional literacy among nursing students.