Food‐related behaviors of international college students

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine adherence to dietary requirements in first‐time residential students.MethodsAnalysis of variance using data from 24‐hour recalls and MyPyramid tracker was performed for multiethnic students (N= 219) with informed consent.ResultsThe ethnic composition was 46% Hispanic, 26% White non‐Hispanic, 22% Black non‐Hispanic, and 6% other. The majority of students did not adhere to the recommended guidelines (DGA) for daily calories (n=89, 65% females; n=63, 77% males) and sodium intake (n=93, 68% females; n=66, 81% males). Lack of adherence to DGA differed by ethnicity for female students: Black non‐Hispanic females consumed 149 Kcal more; whereas, White non‐Hispanics and Hispanic females consumed less [−3.0, – 250 Kcal, respectively (p=0.006)]. DGA differences in females by ethnicity were for meat and beans (p=0.009), carbohydrates (p=0.003), and sodium (p=0.002).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest the need for campaigns on college campuses to promote healthy eating, targeting freshmen. These findings imply that restrictions for the amount of sodium in prepared foods on campus may need to be considered as a policy change.