Dietary Intake of College Students: Attitudes, Knowledge and Dietary Quality

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were to identify the degree to which dietary intakes of college students met current dietary recommendations and to assess relationships between knowledge of food composition or attitudes toward diet and nutrition and dietary intake. A three-part questionnaire with six days of food records was administered to undergraduates over a 12-week period to obtain background information, as well as data on knowledge, and attitudes toward nutrition and health. To determine dietary adequacy, dietary intake was compared to 1989 recommendations from the National Research Council (NRC). A high proportion reported modifying their diets during the previous year to decrease fat, increase fiber, etc., indicating interest in nutrition. However, only 15% of males (n=73) and less than 30% of females (n=76) achieved NRC recommended levels of dietary fat and saturated fat while only 13% of females had enough calcium. Other nutrients which were of concern included the antioxidants, vitamins A...