Assessing the Impact of Religion and College Life on Consumption Patterns of Ultra-Processed Foods by Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Nutrients
; 16(11)2024 May 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38892553
ABSTRACT
(1) Background:
University students, often constrained by time and influenced by socio-economic factors such as culture and religion, frequently adopt diets centred on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), increasing the risk of long-term non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to assess UPF consumption among Spanish university students and explore the potential impact of religion and the academic year on their eating habits. (2)Methods:
In a cross-sectional study of 257 university students aged 18-31, UPF consumption was assessed using NOVA food classification at the academic year's start and end. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests analysed UPF consumption changes, while binary logistic regression identified associations between religion and weekly UPF consumption. (3)Results:
Muslim students had a consumption of industrial bakery products almost five times [95% CI 2.694-9.259] higher than that observed among Christians. Similar data were observed for artificial juice consumption (OR = 3.897, 95% CI = 2.291-6.627) and candy consumption (OR = 3.724, 95% CI = 2.051-6.762). Moreover, a greater percentage of calories and grams of saturated fats from UPFs was observed for Muslims at the end of the study. (4)Conclusions:
Highlighting the impact of religion on UPF consumption among students underscores the necessity of monitoring and intervening in dietary habits to prevent undesirable long-term complications such as cardiovascular diseases.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Estudantes
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Comportamento Alimentar
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Fast Foods
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article