# Dietary patterns and nutritional habits of female students at Sulaimani university: a cross-sectional study in Sulaymaniyah, 2025–2026

## TL;DR

This study examines the eating habits of female university students in Sulaymaniyah, finding moderate dietary patterns influenced by factors like age, education, and economic status.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the dietary behaviors of female university students in Sulaymaniyah, identifying key predictors of healthy eating habits.

## Key findings

- Female students showed moderate dietary habits with a mean score of 29.4.
- Age, academic stage, father’s education, and economic status positively predicted dietary adequacy.
- Limited budget for healthy food negatively impacted dietary patterns.

## Abstract

In Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, university students are increasingly exposed to dietary challenges influenced by socioeconomic, academic, and behavioral factors. This study aimed to assess the dietary patterns and nutritional habits of female students at the University of Sulaimani.

This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 15th, 2024, to September 20th, 2025, among female students enrolled in six colleges at the University of Sulaimani, using convenience sampling. The questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, a 14-item dietary habits scale, and a 23-item food frequency scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Chi-square tests assessed associations between dietary adequacy and demographic factors. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of dietary behavior.

A total of 200 female students participated in the study. The mean dietary habit score was 29.4 ± 3.18, indicating overall moderate eating habits. Significant associations were identified between dietary adequacy and age, academic stage, father’s education, and perceived economic status (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age, academic stage, father’s education, and economic status were significant positive predictors, whereas limited budget for healthy food negatively affected dietary adequacy. Strong positive correlations were also found between healthy food intake and overall eating habits (r = 0.72, p < 0.001).

The study found that the participants had moderately eating habits overall, with only a minority demonstrating adequate dietary patterns. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers and healthcare providers implement targeted interventions to enhance nutritional awareness, improve access to healthy food options, and support health literacy among university students.