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Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia
ISSN: 1394-195X
Vol. 25, No. 3, 2018, pp. 56-66
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Bioline Code: mj18034
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences, Vol. 25, No. 3, 2018, pp. 56-66
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Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Practices among University Students in Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Tok, Chen Yun; Ahmad, Siti Rohaiza & Koh, David Soo Quee
Abstract
Background: Young adults are at risk of developing obesity, especially when transitioning
into university life as they become responsible for their daily eating and lifestyles. This study
estimates the prevalence of overweight/obesity and explores the eating patterns and lifestyle
practices of university students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
A total of 303 students participated. Data was collected from January to April 2016. Self-designed
questionnaires comprised questions pertaining to current weight, self-reported height data,
information on eating habits, exercise and knowledge of the food pyramid. The collected data
were used to compare and contrast eating habits and lifestyle practices among overweight/obese
students with those of non-overweight/obese students.
Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.0%, 34.0%). The
majority ate regular daily meals, but more than half skipped breakfast. Frequent snacking, fried
food consumption at least three times per week and low intake of daily fruits and vegetables
were common. The frequency of visits to fast food restaurants was significantly higher in the
overweight/obese. 25.4% of the students exercised at least three times per week. Almost all
students are aware of balanced nutrition and the food pyramid.
Conclusions: Most university students had poor eating habits, although the majority had
good nutrition knowledge. By way of recommendation, the university is encouraged to provide a
multi-disciplinary team specialising in health promotion that includes nutrition and physical
activity programmes to increase the awareness among the university students.
Keywords
obesity; eating habits; university students; physical exercise; transition
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