Abstract
Background and Objectives: Proper nutrition plays an important role in one's life time. Disregarding proper nutrition, especially during young adulthood, has adverse effects on one's health and competence. Results of the studies indicate that most of adolescents and young people have in proper eating habits and tend to consume junk foods and ready-to-eat/fast foods. Considering the importance of nutrition during this period, we have studied the dietary pattern of students in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, with emphasis on junk food consumption.
Materials and Methods: This Cross-sectional - analytical study was performed on 574 University students (354 girls and 220 boys) using a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of individual specifications and food frequency questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS (ver.11.5).
Results: The highest and lowest change in food patterns of students after entering university was seen in vegetable consumption (70.6% decrease) and the consumption of nuts (54.3% unchanged), respectively Data analysis also showed a decrease in consumption of vegetables, fruits, dairy products and nuts while an increase in consumption of junk food and fast food among exotic students was found which was statistically meaningful.
Conclusion: The results confirm the change of dietary pattern toward an increase in the consumption of junk food, and decrease in the consumption of healthy foods after entering university, especially among exotic students.