الفهرس 
IntroductionOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 241 |  |  |
| | | from | 241 | | |
Abstract
Risk factors such as abdominal obesity may result from unhealthy dietary patterns. Abdominal obesity is a strong predictor for development of major coronary events, vascular mortality, diabetes and metabolic syndrome (Mohsen, 2009).
Information on dietary patterns reflects the overall nutritional behavior better than information on single foods or nutrients (Hu, 2002).
Obesity, as a nutrition-related disorder, has reached alarming levels among young adults, as 20-25% are overweight or obese (Batch and Baur, 2005). Obesity in combination with unhealthy life style, such as smoking and physical inactivity, may increase the risk of chronic diseases. In this regard, nutritional knowledge may act as a deterrent against fast-food trend (Abolfotouh et al., 2007).
Aim of the study
The aim of this study was to determine the dietary health patterns among university students.
Study design A descriptive study design was used.
Research setting
The study was conducted at the faculties affiliated to Ain Shams University.
Research subjects
Sampling and inclusion criteria: Faculties: A stratified random sample from all faculties affiliated to Ain Shams Universities. Students: As a systematic random sampling of students could not be achieved due to unavailability of student registration forms, the researcher resorted to collect data conveniently. A sample of 760 students of both sexes and all years was taken.
Tools of data collection
Tools for data collection:
One questionnaire tool was used for data collection. An interviewing questionnaire tool was used to assess:
1. Socio-demographic characteristics of university students such as age, sex, etc… and university student’s current health problems.
2. University student’s knowledge (Food groups - Sources of nutrients - Nutrition-related health problems - Nutritional needs - …)
3. University student’s dietary intake and behavior.
4. Factors affecting their dietary patterns and behaviors.
The findings of this study could be summarized as follows:
1. More than half of the students (52%) were females, and ages ranged from 17-22yrs in 90% of students.
2. More than one third of the students had body mass index values higher than normal. This shows that obesity and overweight are real problems facing Egyptian adolescents.
3. Nutrition knowledge was satisfactory for less than half of the students (44.3%).
4. Half of students did not take breakfast regularly.
5. A negative association was found between nutrition knowledge and some unhealthy habits, such as the intake of snacks.
6. Half of the students failed to meet recommended daily intake (RDA).
7. About one third of students reported using supplements, especially in males.
8. The practice of sports was much less among female than male students.
9. Also, the practice of weight loss diet plans was more prevalent among females, as well as the concern with body image.
10. Weight loss plans were practiced not only by overweight and obese students, but also by normal weight and even underweight students.
11. Students coming from rural residence showed lower body mass index than students of urban residence.