Background and Aims:
Skipping breakfast are common among university students, leading to poor academic performance, nutrient deficits, and increased risks of obesity and related health issues. This study aims to examine breakfast consumption patterns and nutritional status among private university students.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted at Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, among 100 students aged 20-26. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 26.0).
Results:
The breakfast consumption patterns among the study participants revealed that majority of the students tend to skip breakfast (66%), with reasons such as waking up late, a busy schedule, or lack of appetite being the most common factors. Only 34% of participants reported consistently eating breakfast, with most consuming it between 9-11 a.m. A considerable proportion (46%) bring breakfast from home, while others rely on university canteens or hotels. The majority (67%) had a normal BMI, while 22% were overweight, 5% were obese, and only 1% were extremely obese. Physical activity levels (p = 0.013) and BMI (p < 0.001) exhibited statistically significant associations with waist circumference; however, breakfast consumption patterns did not demonstrate any statistically significant association with waist circumference (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Students often skips breakfast due to various reasons, underscoring the need for improved dietary practices. Although, the majority of students had normal BMI, a few were classified as overweight and obese, showing increased waist circumferences. To achieve optimal health and well-being, students have to consume breakfast regularly and engage in regular physical activities.
Key words: Breakfast, consumption pattern, nutritional status, students, university.
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