Relationships between Physical Activity and Eating Habits among the Students of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences

Abstract

The transition from general education school to university is a critical period for young adults. University freshman are exposed to a variety of new experiences and potential lifestyle changes that may influence their health and risk of obesity, including changes in eating habits and daily physical activity. Physical activity and nutrition are important factors affecting the health of students. The aim of the study was to identify the relation between eating habits and physical activity level among the students of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. The methods of research: scientific literature analysis, self-report questionnaire. The anonymous questionnaire used in the survey was made according to FINBALT HEALTH MONITOR standardized questionnaire and International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The survey was conducted in 2013–2014. The sample consisted of 432 first year students (141 men and 291 women) of Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. Statistical analysis: the data were analyzed using SPSS software package, version 16.0. Chi-square statistics was used to examine differences in frequencies of responses to questions on eating habits and physical activity (PA) levels. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. The research data shows that similar percentage of students (72.9 % as having low level PA, 75.2 % – as moderate level PA, 62.2 % – as high level PA) typically eat three or four times a day. Also, 61.3 % of them have breakfast, and 79.9 % have lunch every day. The daily recommended amount of water is drunk by 42.6 % of the respondents: 24.3 % as having low level PA, 38 % – as moderate level PA, 50.6 % – as high level PA (χ² = 19,777, p < 0.01). Also, not even a single time during the week, 56.2 % of the students ate fish, 31.7 % cheese, 30.7 % drank milk and 40.3 % yogurt. Students with high level PA more often ate rice (p < 0.01) and white cheese (p < 0.05). The findings of the present study showed that some students’ diet is not favorable to their health – they often do not respect the dietary regimen, too rarely use indispensable foods. Results revealed that students who engaged in low levels, moderate levels and high levels of physical activity had similar eating habits. Keywords: physical activity level, eating habits, university students. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15823/sm.2015.17