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Factors influencing eating behavior and dietary intake among resident students in a public university in Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Since there is limited data on the eating behaviors and dietary intakes of the Bangladeshi population, the aim of this 2018 study was to assess the factors that influence the Bangladeshi people’s dietary behavior and consumption. The participants were all students in Bangladesh. Life as a university student is a critical period for young adults to develop healthy eating habits. The subjects took part in in-depth interviews and focus groups set up by the study organizers. It was found that eating behavior and food intakes were influenced by a range of societal, individual, education-related, and environmental factors. Peers and social norms can have an impact on some students, while campus culture and examination frequency may also play a factor. Other factors to consider were food prices and the accessibility of cooking resources and facilities. Furthermore, the students’ individual cooking skills, tastes, food taboos, and perceptions can determine their dietary behaviors and what they eat. In summary, the resident students tended to eat poorly, which could negatively affect their health, well-being, and academic performance. Multilevel nutritional interventions may be needed here in Bangladesh to promote healthy eating behaviors and dietary intake among university students. [NPID: university, college, students, Bangladesh, eating behaviors, healthy diet, unhealthy diet, cooking]
Year: 2018
