Changing Trends in Nutritional Behavior among University Students in Greece, between 2006 and 2016

Abstract

The objective of the present survey was to study the dietary behavior of university students residing away from the family home. In this context, we (a) compared their dietary habits in two time periods, namely 2006 and 2016; and (b) explored the possible impact of gender on the behavioral changes in nutritional choices. A total of four hundred and five university students (2006, n = 242; 2016, n = 163) participated in the study. Dietary assessment was carried out using a qualitative Food Frequency Questionnaire, while data about demographic and lifestyle factors were also collected. Students' dietary habits have been modified in a generally desirable direction, as reflected, e.g., in the elevated consumption of several plant-based foods. Gender was also significantly associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and changes in dietary attitudes. Possible reasons for the transition towards healthier and more balanced dietary habits could involve the budgetary constraints facing Greece in the last decade, as well as increasing nutritional awareness and other socio-cultural factors characterizing this target group. A deeper understanding of these relations would be crucial to foster nutritional education and further enhance the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns.

Keywords: Body Mass Index (BMI); Greek financial crisis; dietary habits; food intake; gender distribution; habitual diet; university students.

Figure 1

The methodological design of the study. L1: between year comparisons for the total sample; L2: between year–within gender comparisons; and L3: between gender–within year comparisons.

Figure 2

Distribution (a) and comparisons (b) of participant’s characteristics according to gender and year. BMI: Body Mass Index; L2: between year–within gender comparisons; L3: between gender–within year comparisons; Adj. Res.: Adjusted Residual (in absolute value); P: Chi square test p-value; Cr.’s V: Cramer’s V coefficient; ^‡ Exact probability p-value = 0.033; ^‡‡ Exact probability p-value = 0.032.