engleski

Attitudes and habits concerning nutrition and physical activity in Croatian students

Purpose: Unhealthy nutrition and physical inactivity are leading global public health risks and cause many non- communicable chronic diseases today. The aim of this study was to determine differences in knowledge, attitudes and habits concerning physical activity and proper nutrition in students of the University Department of Health Studies in Split. Methods: The subject sample included 228 students of five study programmes of University Undergraduate and Graduate study, aged 18 – 41 years. The instrument used was the newly-constructed Questionnaire on students’ attitudes and habits concerning nutrition and physical activity, with 35 statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale. The other variables were: sex, age, study programme, body height, body mass, active sports engagement, and place of residence according (town, village). The study was conducted during regular classes in July 2018. The students were informed on the purpose of the study and given necessary instructions. The Ethical Board of the Faculty issued the necessary permit for the conduction of the study, and all subjects gave their written consent for participation. Results: The study showed with statistical significance that female students followed guidelines concerning proper nutrition and physical activity more than male students, older students had better attitudes and knowledge on proper nutrition and physical activity, but also claimed to have less time for physical activity, i.e., younger students participated more in physical activity. Significant differences were found between students from different study programmes. Significantly the lowest prevalence of smoking was reported by students of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, Nursing and Radiation Technology, whereas smoking prevalence was the highest among Physiotherapy students. Students of Graduate study and Obstetrics participated least in physical activity, whereas Physiotherapy students participated most. On the other hand, Physiotherapy students were the most sedentary. Conclusions: Female students have better attitude and follow the guidelines on proper nutrition and physical activity more. Younger students follow the guidelines on proper nutrition less than older students but participate more in physical activity. The differences in habits and attitudes concerning proper nutrition and physical activity were found between different study programmes. Future studies should include all students of University of Split.

physical activity ; Croatian students ; nutrition activity

nije evidentirano