Food Consumption Pattern and Health and Safety of College Students in The University of Eastern Philippines Main Campus

Authors

  • GINA G. IRADER

Keywords:

food consumption pattern, health safety, food stall, basic food groups

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the food consumption pattern and the health and safety among college students in the University of Eastern Philippines Main Campus. Specifically, this study aimed to determine the respondents’ food consumption pattern as to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks; their level of knowledge on the basic food groups (glow, grow, and go); and their assessment on health and safety. The descriptive-correlational method of research was utilized employing a modified questionnaire-checklist patterned from the instruments of the Cumbria County Council and the DOST Food Nutrition and Research Institute. The findings of the study showed that most of the student-respondents belonged to the adolescence group, are females, and whose mothers were housewives. Most of their father’s occupations were farmers, belonged to the low-income category, received a slightly sufficient weekly allowance, were fourth year college students, and were currently residing in boarding houses. As to the food consumption pattern, the college student-respondents ate their meals every day at the ideal time of eating meals except for breakfast wherein they sometimes ate during the other mealtimes. Time limitation in preparing food was the reason for skipping their meals. The respondents’ food consumption pattern was slightly intake in terms of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. A greater number of them responded that their sources of food were house, carenderia, and food stalls. Healthy food was considered as the much important factor in deciding what to eat during mealtimes. The respondents preferred buying ready-made food for their mealtimes two (2) to three (3) times per week from street food stalls and establishments because of lack of time in preparing foods. In conclusion, the food consumption pattern of the student-respondents significantly affected their assessment on the health and safety of the food services of the food stalls and establishments

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Published

2022-03-24