Dietary Quality of College Students and Influencing Factors

Objectives: Studies assessing college student dietary patterns and quality, particularly micronutrient intake, are scarce. This information is crucial to understanding the dietary quality of students and identifying vulnerable groups and areas for additional interventions. This study aims to identify dietary patterns and quality among college students and to identify factors influencing dietary intake, starting with those on the Chico State campus. Methods: Convergent parallel mixed methods study design involving 40 undergraduate students at CSU, Chico. Students were conveniently sampled from the basic nutrition class and completed one ASA24 dietary recall, followed by open-ended questions regarding factors influencing their dietary intake during the previous 24 hours. Dietary quality was assessed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2020) Scores and Total Nutrient Intake (TNI), assessed by computing the intake of 7 nutrients (Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamins A, C, D and E). Results: Mean age was 19 ± 0.69 years. Twenty percent (n=8) were male and 77.5% (n=31) female, missing data for one participant. The majority identified as Hispanic/Latinx (45%; n=18) and non-Hispanic White (45%; n=18). Mean HEI and TNI scores were 52.03±13.08 and 59.96±18.99 respectively with weak positive nonsignificant correlation (r = 0.216, p = 0.186). There was no significant difference in male (M = 52.38, SD 12.32) vs female mean HEI scores (M = 52.71, SD = 13.07; t (37) = -0.63, p = 0.950). However, males had significantly higher mean TNI score (M = 76.27, SD = 12.30) compared to females (M = 56.23, SD = 18.34; t (36) = 2.91, p= .006). Barriers to healthy eating identified were in alignment with the social-ecological model (SEM) and included Individual (Mood and Body Physiology; Dietary habits; Physical activity; Finances; Nutrition knowledge), Interpersonal (Peer influence; Family and Cultural influence), and Environmental (School and Work schedule; Availability and Access) factors. Conclusions: College students have suboptimal dietary quality, particularly female students. Therefore, nutrition assistance programs should prioritize interventions that target these barriers and promote healthier eating habits. Funding Sources: None.