IMPACT OF NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE ON DIETARY CHOICES OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS STUDENTS

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nutritional knowledge and awareness regarding prevention and cure of diseases has helped in establishing the field of nutrition globally. More students are now enrolling in nutrition as a college major. In case of nutrition undergrads, it is safe to say that they have most extensive knowledge of food and healthy dietary habits Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of nutrition knowledge on dietary choices of nutrition and dietetics students Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at University of Lahore where 100 students of both genders above age 18 of final year diet & nutrition were selected by using convenience sampling technique. Data will be analyzed through latest version of SPSS to draw results.

Results: Out of 100 participants, majority were females (88%). Majority of students (41%) were belonging to age 22 years. The body mass index (BMI) of most participants (74%) was falling in desirable range i.e., 18.5kg/m² – 24.9kg/m² Conclusions: Our study concluded that almost all our participants studying Diet and Nutritional Sciences had proper knowledge of nutrition and most of them are practicing this knowledge in their daily lives. We also witnessed that despite their understanding, some of the participants did not consume the necessary required daily amounts of nutrients due to their preference for fast food over fruits and vegetables.