A Cross-Sectional Study on Physical Activity Patterns and Dietary Habits of a Nursing College Students in Central Karnataka

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional habits and physical activity influence the health status of young adults. Noncommunicablediseases (NCDs) such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major humanhealth problems of 21st century. NCD risk factors like sedentary lifestyle, increased consumption of diet richin sugar, fats and salt, tobacco and alcohol consumption are increasingly found among youth. Having properdietary habits (nutritional behaviour) and moderate physical exercise are the best methods for reducingCVD risk.Objectives: To assess patterns of physical activity and dietary habits followed by students studying at a nursingcollege in Chitradurga.Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study. Assessments, by questionnaire, included daily food intake, frequencyof consuming foodstuffs with an adequate nutritional value and evaluating adverse dietary habits and types ofphysical activity undertaken.Results: 175 students participated in the study. Physical activities of moderate and vigorous intensity werefollowed by 65.7% and 65.1% students respectively. Foods with good nutritional value were consumed in lesserquantities. 14.9% consumed < 1 vegetable serving/day, 38.3% consumed < 1 fruit serving / week. There werestudents who did not consume vegetables (8%) or fruits (14.9%) at all. Higher frequencies (2-6 days/week) ofconsumption of junk food (12.6%) and soft drinks (10.3%) were found.Conclusion: It is an encouraging fact to know that students were involved in moderate or vigorous physicalactivities on regular basis. Whereas healthy dietary practice was less and consumption of junk food and softdrinks was more. Present study highlights areas of nutritional concerns that must be addressed to bringabout reduction in proportion of modifiable risk factors of NCDs among youth in health care professionalcourses.