University Students' Eating Behaviors: An Exploration of Influencers

Problem: There is evidence that university students have poor eating behaviors that can lead to short and long term negative health effects. Understanding the influences on eating behaviors will aid universities and health agencies in developing effective healthy eating promotion strategies. Purpose and Method: To determine the impact of a range of influencers on healthy eating behaviors, a tested and ethics approved questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of students at two universities. Responses (n = 188) were statistically analyzed and logistic regression was conducted. Results: Mean daily food group servings were below recommendations for the vegetables/fruits and grain products groups. The regression models for minimum vegetable/fruit group were statistically significant for healthy eating, media/social and the professional advice influencer scales. For the meat/alternates, the models were significant for budget constraints, professional advice and nutrition self-efficacy influencer scales. No significant relationships were found for the other two food groups. Conclusions: There is a need to improve the eating behaviors of university students and different influencers affect consumption of different food groups. A focus on particular influencers can enable a targeting of healthy eating promotion and communication strategies on deficient food groups.