Nutrition and physical activity among university students

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the eating and physical activity attitudes and behaviors of Trakya University students

 Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which included a representative sample of all students of Trakya University. The sample of 1620 students enrolled at the Trakya University was stratified according to sex and actual student number of faculties and colleges and selected by systematically sampling. The selected students answered a questionnaire on their eating behaviors, physical activity level under observation.

 Results:  1448 students (89.4%) reported that they have drunk at least a glass, bottle or can of soda or pop during the past 7 days. Respectively 807 (49.7%) and 972 (60%) of them told they have not drunk %100 fruit juices and milk during the past 7 days. During the past 7 days, 209 (12.9%) of them reported they have not eaten any fruit and 131 (8.1%) of them have not consumed any vegetables.
808 (49.9%) students told that they have not done regular physical activity (at least 60 minutes per day) during the last 30 days. During the past 12 months, 975 (60.2%) of them told they have not played any sports teams. 825 (50.9%) of the students reported they have watched TV more than 2 hours per day on school days and 628 (38.8%) of them reported they have played video or computer games or have used computer for something that is not school work more than 2 hours per day.

 Conclusion:  University youth have sub-optimal lifestyle behaviors, they are not well nourished and physical activity level is low. Population based efforts are needed to improve their nutrition and promote physical activity.