ERIC Number: EJ1152154
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
First-Year College Students Increase Food Label-Reading Behaviors and Improve Food Choices in a Personal Nutrition Seminar Course
Tallant, April
American Journal of Health Education, v48 n5 p331-337 2017
Background: Poor dietary behaviors are risk factors for developing chronic diseases that plague public health. Purpose: This study sought to determine the differences in pre and post food label and food choice scores among first-year college students at the beginning and end of the semester. Case analyses were conducted to evaluate individualized changes. Methods: Students completed pre and post electronic surveys. Food label and food choice scores were computed. Reliability analysis was conducted for each computed score. Paired "t" tests were employed to compare the differences in scores at pre and post measure. Case analyses showed differences per individual student. Results: Paired "t" test revealed a statistically significant difference with an increase in food label-reading behavior (P = 0.000) and food choice behavior (P = 0.000). Case analyses showed that 27% of students practiced food label reading more frequently in at least one category above at post measure and 29% indicated choosing healthier food options more frequently. Discussion: College nutrition courses may improve college student food label reading skills and result in healthier food choices. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators can work with higher education institutions to play a role in reducing disease risks by educating students and providing environmental supports for dietary improvement.
Descriptors: College Freshmen, Food, Selection, Nutrition, Health Behavior, Student Behavior, Dietetics, Nutrition Instruction, First Year Seminars, Student Surveys, Pretests Posttests, Statistical Analysis, Instructional Effectiveness, Health Education
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A