University students’ perception of their dietary behavior through the course of the COVID-19 pandemic: a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic mandates that were imposed to curb the spread of disease may have triggered unhealthy dietary behaviors among university students. The current study aims at exploring university students’ perception of their dietary behaviors through the course of the pandemic. Methods The qualitative study is designed using a phenomenological framework. Using convenience and snowball sampling, nine university students were recruited in southeast Texas. Interviews were conducted using an interview guide after receiving verbal consent. The data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results Three themes were identified. Initially, an increase in consumption of home-cooked meals and frequency of snacking were reported which were associated with emotions including boredom, stress, and homesickness. However, as the students adapted to the pandemic, the frequency of dining and restaurant food consumption increased. Conclusion The findings highlight the urgency for educational institutions to be well-equipped in terms of nutrition assistance during times of crisis.