Influence of sociodemographic and psychological factors on eating habits among health sciences undergraduates at Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

Yi, Tan Yi (2025) Influence of sociodemographic and psychological factors on eating habits among health sciences undergraduates at Universiti Sains Malaysia Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Project Report. Universiti Sains Malaysia. (Submitted)

[img] PDF - Submitted Version
Download (522kB)

Abstract

Eating habits play a crucial role in determining health status, particularly among university students. This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of eating habits and their relationships with sociodemographic and psychological factors among health sciences undergraduates. A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, using a self-administered questionnaire to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, psychological factors, and eating habits. Eating habits were measured using a cumulative scoring system, where higher scores indicated healthier eating patterns. The findings revealed significant differences in eating habit scores based on sociodemographic characteristics such as gender (p=0.009), program of study (p=0.003), and ethnicity (p=0.012), all of which were significant (p<0.05). Psychological factors, including eating while bored (p=0.044) and eating while feeling lonely (p=0.045), were also showed significantly differences in eating habit scores (p<0.05). Despite overall healthy eating patterns, specific behaviors such as low daily breakfast consumption (59%), inadequate fruit intake (56.8%), poor water intake (92.1%), high fried food consumption (77%), and physical inactivity (71.9%) were areas of concern. This study underscores the importance of understanding how sociodemographic and psychological factors influence eating habits among university students. Future research should explore additional determinants and develop evidence-based strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable eating behaviors in this population.

Item Type: Monograph (Project Report)
Uncontrolled Keywords: eating habits
Subjects: R Medicine
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Divisions: Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan (School of Health Sciences) > Monograph
Depositing User: Mr Abdul Hadi Mohammad
Date Deposited: 19 Jan 2026 04:42
Last Modified: 23 Feb 2026 00:09
URI: http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/63459

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item
Share