Comparison of Fat and Sodium Intake among Female Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Living at Home or Dormitories

Abstract

Background: High sodium intake and high fat diets can play an important role as the risk factors of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while the prevalence of hypertension is increasing in all countries, especially in Iran. This study evaluated the sodium and fat intake among female students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences at dormitories or home.Methods: During 2015 by using a random sampling method, 67 female students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences living at home or dormitories were enrolled. The demographic data included age, entrance year to university, and educational level that were recorded using a questionnaire. The body mass index (BMI) was determined and sodium and fat intake were assessed by 3-day food duplicate samples method in combination with chemical analysis. The relationship between sodium and fat intake, place of residence, blood pressure and anthropometric indices were evaluated.Results: There were not any significant relationship between residence and sodium and fat intake. Sodium intake was shown to be higher than recommended daily intake among students living at home or dormitory in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.Conclusion: It seems that a proper diet instruction is necessary to be incorporated into students’ educational contexts to reduce the risk of chronic diseases among this population.