Health Perceptions, Self and Body Image, Physical Activity and Nutrition among Undergraduate Students in Israel

Abstract

PurposeThis study examines health perceptions, self and body image, physical exercise and nutrition among undergraduate students.MethodsA structured, self-reported questionnaire was administered to more than 1500 students at a large academic institute in Israel. The study population was heterogenic in both gender and fields of academic study.ResultsHigh correlations between health perceptions, appropriate nutrition, and positive self and body image were found. The relationships between these variables differed between the subpopulation in the sample and the different genders. Engagement in physical exercise contributed to positive body image and positive health perceptions more than engagement in healthy nutrition. Nutrition students reported higher frequencies of positive health perceptions, positive self and body image and higher engagement in physical exercise in comparison to all other students in the sample.ConclusionsThis study suggests, as have many before, that successful health promotion policy should reflect a collectivist rather than an individualist ethos by providing health prerequisites through a public policy of health-promotion, where the academic settings support a healthy lifestyle policy, by increasing availability of a healthy, nutritious and varied menu in the cafeterias, and offering students various activities that enhance healthy eating and exercise.Implications and contributionThis study examined health perceptions, self-image, physical exercise and nutrition among undergraduate students and found high correlations between these topics. Nutrition students reported higher frequencies of positive health perceptions, and positive self and body image and engaged more in physical exercise when compared with all other students in the sample.

Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus dietary intake in active and sedentary Polish students

“…Their diet contained less fat and phosphorus but more carbohydrates and calcium. These data are in agreement with results from other countries concerning the differences in dietary habits in active young adults in comparison with sedentary ones [22,24,27]. The reason for these differences is not fully elucidated, but it seems that active subjects are characterized by better nutritional knowledge than their sedentary counterparts [28].…”

Estudio longitudinal sobre la adherencia al patrón de dieta mediterránea en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud

“…En la actualidad existen diversos estudios de alimentación en colectivos universitarios sobre sus hábitos de vida y conductas alimentarias 6,9,[13][14][15][16][17][18][19] . Sin embargo, es importante considerar que hay titulaciones, como las que se refieren a las ciencias de la salud, en las que los estudiantes no sólo deben prepararse para utilizar los conocimientos adquiridos en beneficio propio, sino que también deben tener en cuenta que dichos conocimientos van a repercutir en su vida adulta y profesional [19][20][21][22] .…”

Means of Optimal Body Mass Control and Obesity Prophylaxis Among Students

“…Thus, in this research we made an attempt to realize conception of eating culture among youth. Such approach is also proved in other researches [8,26]. Conclusions 1.…”

“…In L. Korn's opinion for students' health strengthening educational establishments shall use the following: accessible and healthy eating in canteens; practice great number of sport mass measures; apply effective screening systems. Besides, physical culture lessons shall be compulsory for young people to receive bachelor's degree [26]. King K. notes that when creating programs for increasing students' physical activity it is necessary to obligatory consider existing in students campuses conditions for sports and physical culture practicing [23].…”