Gender Difference in Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status of Undergraduates in Tartous University, Syria

Introduction: Poor nutritional knowledge at early stage of life suggests developing poor dietary habits that later leads to obesity and attendant complications of non-communicable diseases. This study examined gender differences in nutritional knowledge, dietary pattern and the prevalence of overweight/obesity among students of a private tertiary institution in Tartous University, Syria. Materials and Method: A total of 214 students were used for this study and were selected from the six colleges of the university. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on personal and lifestyle characteristics, feeding pattern and physical activity. Weight and height measures were used to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi square test at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of the students was 20.89±3.89years. Monthly allowance of ≥500, 000.00 Syrian pound was received by 64% of the students; 79.9% and 78% of them had fathers and mothers respectively with university degree. Physical body exercise was not done by 40.2% of the students. More than two thirds (69.2%) of the students took < 3meals/day and 59.8% of them skipped breakfast. Dietary diversity of the students showed 71.0% and 20.6% of average and high score respectively. The mean BMI was 24.60±3.70. The students had BMI <25 (63.6%) and ≥25 (36.4%). Nutritional knowledge of the students reflected 10.7% (low), 72.9% (average) and 16.4% (high). There was no gender difference BMI, knowledge and dietary diversity. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate nutritional knowledge, poor feeding habits and dietary diversity and high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Great emphasis needs to be given to nutrition education and promotion among university students.