Association between nutrition knowledge and attitudes with intake of vegetables, fruits and dairy products among students at the Asian University for Women (AUW), Chittagong

Abstract

World Health Organization reports several diet related health issues, such as malnutrition, diabetes and cancer, which are associated with unhealthy eating. Several studies have been done to understand why people eat what they eat. Spronk writes that many studies have been done to assess people’s food intakes; however, few studies have been done to explore the relationship between people’s nutrition knowledge, attitudes and healthy eating (Spronk 2014). This study has been done to collect data on the association between AUW student’s nutrition knowledge, attitude and food intakes. This study aims to contribute in achieving healthy food intakes among students at Asian University for Women (AUW) for better health outcomes. Method​: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Asian University for Women. A total of 102 students from all the undergraduate years (UG1-UG4) were recruited via stratified random sampling. WHO’s standard “Nutrition Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) model” questionnaire was used with some modifications to fit the context. Results​: This data showed that less than 50% of the students took vegetables, fruits and dairy products every day. Again, less than 50% of the students had good knowledge; whereas, most of them had positive attitude about taking good food (63.8%). Students with poor knowledge compared to good knowledge when adjusted with attitude were less likely to take vegetables and fruits, even though it is not statistically significant. Conclusion​: This data showed no association between nutrition knowledge and, attitudes, with intake of vegetables, fruits and dairy products among students at the Asian University for Women (AUW). The study recommends that basic nutrition knowledge on micro nutrients can be provided to AUW students.