Role of Health Literacy in Shaping Dietary Patterns of University Students

Abstract

This study examined how well university students understand health information and its role in shaping dietary patterns. The researchers used a mixed-method approach for the study. The researchers selected students enrolled in the BS programs in the semesters five, six, and seven. The researchers administered a questionnaire to measure health literacy and conducted interviews to identify dietary patterns of the students. The researchers surveyed a total sample of 172 respondents for the study and then randomly conducted interviews of the five students to identify their dietary patterns, including meal frequency, consistency, and hydration. The analysis of the data showed that students possess reasonable level of health literacy in comprehending health information, in making their lifestyle choices, communicating and identifying health care services, and critically evaluating the information. However, students’ eating habits appeared to be inconsistent and their meal patterns varied due to educational workload, study stress, becoming used to or habit, insufficient time, financial constraints and issues of the quality of food in maintaining a balanced meal/ diet.