Comparing Eating Habits among Biomedical and Non-Biomedical University Students: A Study of Lifestyle Influences

Background and Aim: Eating habits are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of university students. This study aimed to compare the eating habits of biomedical and non-biomedical students at Azad medical University in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-comparative study was conducted on ۴۰۰ undergraduate students aged ۱۸ to ۲۶ years, who were studying biomedical and non-biomedical programs. Stratified random sampling was used for selecting the participants. Data were collected through self-reporting questionnaires, including a demographic questionnaire, lifestyle and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was significantly higher among biomedical students (۳۰.۹%) compared to non-biomedical students (۲۵.۴%), (p =.۰۱۴). Biomedical students reported higher consumption of rice (۴۶.۱% vs. ۴۱.۳%; p=.۰۴۷), and bread (۷۳.۸% vs. ۶۳.۸%; p=.۰۰۱), whereas ۵۴.۱% of non-biomedical students reported eating more sweet snacks daily. Also, non-biomedical students consumed fewer daily fruits compared Biomedical students (۱۹.۵% vs. ۲۴.۱%; p=.۰۳) and also red and white meat (۳.۳% vs. ۴.۷%; p=.۰۴) respectively. Both Groups of students were interested in drinking higher soft sugary drinks (۳۸.۴% and ۳۹.۸%; p = ۰.۰۰۱) respectively, while they ate fish never or less than once per month. Conclusion: Despite their academic background, biomedical students exhibited higher rates of overweight. Non-biomedical students consumed more unhealthy snacks and fewer nutrient-dense foods. These findings highlight the need for more nutritional education in all students to promote healthier eating habits among them.

کلیدواژه ها:

Eating habits ، socio-demographic factors ، lifestyle. ، عادات غذایی ، عوامل اجتماعی-جمعیت شناختی ، سبک زندگی.