Nutritional status of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State

English: The aim of this study was to describe the nutritional status and related lifestyle factors of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State. A representative sample of 161 (24% male and 76% female) full time students were randomly selected. The median ages of students were 21.8 years for males and 21.4 years for females. Dietary intake, lifestyle and anthropometric variables and associations between the above were determined. Dietary intake was determined by means of a 24-hour recall and short food frequency questionnaire. Weight and height, waist and hip circumference measurement were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI) and fat distribution. Lifestyle factors included smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity and socio-demographic status and these were determined by means of a questionnaire. Adequacy of diet was evaluated by comparing the intake of each student to the intake recommended by the Food Guide Pyramid. Almost 44% of students’ daily intake of bread, cereals, rice and pasta was lower than the recommended six servings. Similarly, 98% ate less than three servings of vegetables and 58.4% ate less than two servings of fruits. More than 80% of students ate less than two servings of milk, yoghurt and cheese, while 16.1% ate less than two servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts. Only 57.1% of students reported consuming small quantities of fats, oils and sweets. Meal patterns showed that a small percentage of students skipped breakfast (7%). Median energy intake of female students (5195kJ) was significantly lower than that of male students (8943kJ). Median energy and fat intake was relatively low, while carbohydrate and protein intakes were slightly higher than recommendations. Anthropometric information included BMI, waist circumference and waist hip ratio (WHR). 22.1% of female and 12.9% of male students were overweight or obese and 10.7% of female and 0% of male students were underweight. Four students had values above cut off points for waist circumference (for females > 88 cm for males > 102 cm) and six students had values above cut off point for waist-hip ratio (for females > 0.8 and for males > 0.9), indicating risk for cardiovascular disease. The physical activity level of the students broadly classified them as very active (59%) and active (39%). However, 68% of the students did not attend gym or participate in any sporting activities. Of the total students, 10.6% were smokers; smoking a median of 3.5 cigarettes per day. The majority of the students (62%) consumed alcohol. The median frequency of alcohol consumption was 4.0 days per month, and on those days (mostly weekend days), the median intake was 3 drinks. A positive association between smoking and alcohol consumption was found. Alcohol consumption was also significantly higher in students residing off-campus. No significant difference in the energy intake of students living on-campus and offcampus was found. Median energy intake of students in the three different BMI categories indicated that overweight/obese students had the highest median energy intake. However, the differences in median energy intake between the three groups were not statistically significant. Students that smoked also tended to be more underweight. A physically active lifestyle with abstention from smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and consumption of healthy foods maximizes the chance of having a normal weight. Although relatively low, prevalence of obesity in this population needs attention. High BMI values at a young age are independent predictors of being overweight in later years. Being overweight at a young age indicates an increased risk for developing diseases of lifestyle, such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore physical activity and healthy eating habits should be encouraged to prevent obesity and its comorbidities.