Jornal de Distúrbios Alimentares e Nutricionais

Nutritional Assessment among Undergraduate Students of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur

Sehrish Rana, Khalil Ahmad, Hafiz Muhammad Asif, Khalil Ahmad, Abdul Wadood, Saad Ahmad, Muhammad Ashfaq, Farah Zafar, Raheel Aslam, Zaheer Ahmad

Abstract

Aim: The present study is to evaluate nutritional status of undergraduate students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur.

Methodology: It is Descriptive population based study. Study is conducted among undergraduate students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. Sample size comprised of 430 students of different professional years, in which 210 are male students and 220 are female. Duration of study is 12 months. Data is analyzed by Nutri survey and SPSS. Research tool for data collection is Nutritional Assessment Performa, weight machine and measuring tape.

Result: 210(48.8%) male students and 220 (51.2%) female students among age 17 to 25 are taken in my study. Out of 430, 198(46%) are day scholars while 232 (54%) are living in hostel. Height is categorized in 3 groups along with percentage including 4'9"-5'2" (32%), 5'3"-5'7" (46%) and 5'8"-6' (22%).Weight is categorized in 5 groups along with percentage including 40-50 (26%), 51-60 (32%), 61-70 (16%), 71-80 (20%) and 81-90 (6%). 12% participants are found underweight, 62% participants are found normal, 22% participants are found over weight and 4% participants are found obese. 68% participants are found with sedentary in physical activity while 30% are moderately active and 2% are vigorously active. 48% participants  are found anemic according to WHO criteria in which girls are found more anemic than boys. 38% girls population while 10% boys are found with anemia, 8% participants are anemic also seen by physical appearance while 92% are normal. Average Calories Intake of 314 (73%) of students is less than recommended values, 49 (11%) is taking calories more than recommended and  67 (16%) is taking calories in balance. 309 (72%) participants are consuming carbohydrates in their diet less than 40% while 121 (28%) are consuming carbohydrates more than 40%. 371 (86%) participant’s protein intake in diet is less than 30% while 59 (14%) participant’s protein intake in diet is more than 30% whereas 327 (76%) students consume fat less than 30% in their diet and 103 (24%) consume fat more than 30%.

Conclusion: Students are future and backbone of any nation's and countries. Special attention is needed for their health. Present study findings indicate that 26% of study participants are overweight and obese and few 12% are also suffering from underweight while 62% participants are found with normal Body Mass Index. Modification in life style, dietary habits and especially physical activity can help in solving this problem. There should be nutrition education awareness and sessions for students to increase their knowledge and benefit regarding proper diet and its effect on their health.