Investigation and countermeasure of the dietary nutrition status of college students from the perspective of healthy China

TL;DR

This study explores college students' dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices in China and suggests digital education strategies to improve their nutrition.

Contribution

The study proposes digital platform-based nutrition education strategies tailored to college students in the Healthy China initiative.

Findings

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices were significantly correlated among college students.

Females scored higher in nutrition knowledge and attitudes than males, but not in dietary practices.

Only 54.97% of students had a normal BMI, and overall knowledge and practice scores were low.

Abstract

This study examined dietary nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among college students and proposed improvement strategies within the framework of Healthy China. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 815 students, and correlation and inferential statistical analyses were performed. Results revealed significant positive correlations among nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices (p < 0.01). The total KAP score was strongly correlated with knowledge (r = 0.825), attitudes (r = 0.492), and practices (r = 0.742). Females scored higher than males in nutrition knowledge and attitudes, while no significant sex difference was found in dietary practices. Only 54.97% of students had a normal BMI. In descriptive analyses, students with normal weight tended to have higher mean scores in attitudes, practices, and total KAP, although these differences were not statistically significant. The average knowledge (7.74 ± 2.81) and practices (10.43 ± 2.37) scores were relatively low, indicating knowledge deficits and poor dietary practices, although attitudes were positive (3.61 ± 0.86). Universities should strengthen nutrition education through digital platforms (e.g., social media, apps, short videos) to enhance students’ nutritional literacy and promote healthier dietary practices.

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