Nutritional habits of university students living in two female dormitories in Ankara

Eating behaviors of University students might closely relate many chronic diseases at older ages.  This study has been conducted to determine nutritional behaviors of university female students staying at two dormitories having different characteristics. For this goal, data has been gathered by administering a questionnaire developed by researchers to the total of 300 female students selected by simple randomized sample among students living at GATA and Mehmet Akif dormitories. Students living at GATA and Mehmet Akif dormitories had respectively 20.3±1.7 and 20.8±2.3 kg/m² of BMI, 14.0% and 15.3 of low weight prevalence, and 0.7% and 5.3% of obesity prevalence. Of the total students 86.3% and 78.0% stated respectively no alcohol use and no smoking. It has been found Consuming fast food was common among students, and they got mostly their knowledge on nutrition from their parents (68.0%). Additionally, 27.3% of students have never exercised. General nutritional habits among students at GATA dormitory has been healthier (proper) than among students from the other dormitory. This can be explained with discipline and training given by military schools.
As a result, it has been created to all university students all healthy nutritional opportunities, balanced and sufficient meals should be offered at lower cost to them, periodic training on nutrition should be provided, proper areas should be arranged for them to exercise.