Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Students in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, VNU University of Science

Abstract

Healthy nutrition plays a crucial role in improving health and preventing disease within communities. This study aims to evaluate the current state of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as the factors influencing nutritional choices among students in the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. A questionnaire survey method was used for data collection. The research findings indicate that 80% of students possess good general knowledge about nutrition, with female students representing 85,2% and male students 73,2%. Regarding attitudes, 74,7% of students display a positive general attitude toward nutrition. Students majoring in Food Science and Technology exhibit a higher rate of positive attitudes (87,0%) compared to those in Environmental Engineering Technology (73,7%) and Environmental Sciences (86,4%). Furthermore, 74,7 % of students demonstrate good general practices in nutrition. Notably, students living with their families tend to have worse nutritional practices than those residing in boarding houses or dormitories. The study also reveals that students with good nutritional knowledge and positive attitudes are more likely to have better nutritional practices. Factors influencing students' nutritional choices, in descending order of importance, include: i) Hygiene and safety; ii) Nutritional and health benefits; iii) Costs and prices; iv) Environmental protection; v) Personal interests and habits; and vi) Convenience.