The Nutritional Habits of Nursing Students and Their Obesity and Diabetes Risk Statuses
Chapter from the book:
Cengiz Açıl,
H.
(ed.)
2023.
Health Sciences Research: Nursing and Midwifery II.
Synopsis
A sufficient and balanced diet, not using tobacco or alcohol, and adopting a healthy lifestyle by exercising have all been shown to decrease the risk of obesity and many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension, even becoming part of their treatment. For this reason, this study was planned to determine the nutritional habits, obesity statuses, and future diabetes risks of students. This study was planned with 392 nursing students in 2021-2022 academic year. Data was collected using an identification form including socio demographic characteristics, questions on nutritional habits, the Obesity Awareness Scale, and the FINDRISC scale. The mean FINDRISC score of all of the participants was found to be in the low risk group with a value of 4,74±3.35, exhibiting significant difference according to BMI. Their OAS mean score was found to be on a good level with a value of 57.75±10.31. In the regression analysis of nutritional habits and BMI, which showed correlation with FINDRISC risk status, those variables were found to have to strength to predict future diabetes risk with a rate of 22%. As a result, it was seen that the students were in the normal weight group, in the low risk group for type 2 diabetes. However, their awareness on obesity was found to be on a medium level. In this context, we think that the information the students have on nutritional habits, diabetes, and obesity should be increased, and that awareness should be raised by giving contemporary issues a place in their courses and arranging panels and conferences.