Abstract:
Eating behavior in university students is a complex phenomenon affected by many social, psychological and environmental factors. Individuals within this group face major transitions in their eating habits with the move from home to university life. Some of the more typical challenges may include non-regular meal eating patterns, greater consumption of fast food and convenience meals, and a natural taste for snacking (in many cases due to the easy access or relatively low price of these products). Not only that, with stress and academic pressures eating behaviors get more complicated having case records of overeating as well as undereating due to following multiple reasons. In addition, social interactions and peer effects are very important. Many students will sit together to eat for mutual exchanges or be adversely influenced by some irresponsible eating habits of their peers. In a nutshell, the nutritional knowledge and awareness of university students are mostly diverse which eventually leads to varying dietary practices. While some of the students are particularly trying to have a wellbalanced diet, mainly influenced by health and fitness objectives, others do not either have enough information to do so or want to eat appropriately. The study explores the eating habits of varsity students, focusing on demographic variables like gender, age, education level, budget, food costs, and affordability. Results show that gender norms and nutritional information influence eating habits, with older students adopting healthier habits. Living arrangements also impact food choices, with a larger percentage living at home or in rental houses. Lifestyle factors like pricing, social contacts, time, and convenience also influence students' food choices. The study emphasizes the need for students to balance convenience and health, particularly in dietary choices. Universities can provide affordable, healthy alternatives through campus canteens or free meal plans, and nutritional education can raise awareness of potential health risks.
