Jamaluddin, Nur Elhanna Tasnim Che (2026) Exploring the relationship between food security, dietary choices and nutritional status among health science students at USM Kubang Kerian. Project Report. Universiti Sains Malaysia. (Submitted)
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Abstract
Food security and dietary choices are important factors that influence nutritional status and overall health among university students. Health science students are expected to have good nutritional knowledge, however, academic pressure, time constraints and financial problems may affect their eating habits and access to nutritious food. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the relationship between food security, dietary choices and nutritional status among health science students at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian. This cross-sectional study involved 289 undergraduate students selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of four sections: sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The results indicated that approximately 36.3% of students were food secure while 62.7% experienced some level of food insecurity. Price was the most important factor influencing dietary choices (mean=3.55, SD=0.52), following sensory appeal, mood and convenience. Despite their education, their health motivation was relatively low. In term of nutritional status, 57.4% had a normal BMI, 16.3% were underweight and 26.3% were overweight and obese. Food security status was not significantly associated with BMI (X2=0.54, p=0.911), but it did correspond with decision priorities of food-insecure students prioritised cost, while food-secure students emphasised sensory appeal (p<0.01). Overall, the study demonstrated that food security influences dietary choices rather than directly affecting nutritional status among Health Science students.
| Item Type: | Monograph (Project Report) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Food security |
| Subjects: | R Medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA440-440.87 Study and teaching. Research |
| Divisions: | Kampus Kesihatan (Health Campus) > Pusat Pengajian Sains Kesihatan (School of Health Sciences) > Monograph |
| Depositing User: | MUHAMMAD AKIF AIMAN AB SHUKOR |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Aug 2026 06:54 |
| Last Modified: | 18 Oct 2026 06:39 |
| URI: | http://eprints.usm.my/id/eprint/64758 |
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