Evaluation of Dietary Patterns and Health Status of Young Adults from Turkey: University Students from Urban and Rural Provinces

Abstract

Young people’s taking nutrition in a healthy way and their getting proper eating habits are of great importance in terms of both individuals and society as a whole. However, the studies that have been conducted in our country show that the young skip meals, their consumption rate of fruits and vegetables is low and fast-food is their eating habit. This study was conducted with the participation of 617 students selected by random sampling method on a voluntary basis (313 female and 304 male) from the age range of 17-30 who are continuing their education at Ankara University (Faculty of Language, History and Geography) and Cumhuriyet University. In this study where the aim was to determine the basic eating habits, risk levels of eating habits and the frequency of food consumption of university students, students were given a questionnaire and by taking their anthropometric height and weight measures Body Mass Index was evaluated. 5.3% of the students was found to be underweight (<18.5 kg/m2 ), 63.4% was normal (19-24.99 kg/m2 ), 23.2% was overweight (≥25 kg/m2 ) and 8.1% was obese (≥30 kg/m2 ). Whereas the rate of skipping main meal was 33.5%, it was determined that the most skipped meal was lunch. In the evaluation of risk levels of dietary habits, 37.8% of male students are at the high risk level and 2.6% of them are at the very high risk level. Similarly, 39.3% of females are at the high risk level and 1.9% percent of them are at the very high risk level. It was also found that the consumption rate of fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products of students was low. Therefore, it should be provided that young people will stay away unhealthy habits and they will take healthy nutrition.