Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.48188/hczz.4.2.2
The influence of the media and social networks on the eating habits of health students
Anita Rakić
; Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, Split, Croatia; University of Split, Department of Health Studies, Split, Croatia
*
Vanessa Ivana Peričić
; Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Storssmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia; NUTRIFIL, a business for nutritional consulting, Split, Croatia
Ines Banjari
; Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Storssmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
Anamarija Jurčev Savičević
; Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, Split, Croatia; University of Split, Department of Health Studies, Split, Croatia; University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim: This research aimed to gain insight into the eating habits of health students and determine the influence of the media andsocial networks on their formation.Methods: 55 female students of the University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, from the 2nd year of undergraduatestudies from two study programs (midwifery and nursing) participated in the study, and their nutrition knowledge was testedby questionnaire. Questions from the validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults were used, and the χ2 test wasused to determine the differences between the two study programs.Results: 11 midwifery students and 44 nursing students participated in the research. The results show that the media and socialnetworks have the greatest influence on their eating habits, with 55% of midwifery students and 68% of nursing students (χ2=1.8;P=0.311). Furthermore, the main sources of information about the nutritional value of food for 56% of the respondents were themedia and social networks. Also, the media and social networks influence the restrictive eating patterns of 58% of respondents andthe decision to take nutritional supplements in 49% of respondents. The test results related to the intake of certain foods showed thatcitrus fruits are mostly consumed seasonally by 48% of the respondents with a statistically significant difference between the studyprograms (χ2=10.1; P=0.001). No one consumes nuts daily, and none of the respondents consumes bluefish once a week.Conclusion: The results of the conducted research confirm the trend of a strong and increasing influence of the media and socialnetworks on the eating habits of the student population. The relevance of the research lies in the fact that these are future healthcareprofessionals who patients consult for advice on diet and food choices given their health condition. Considering the large amountof misinformation about food and nutrition found in the media and on social networks, there is a need for additional education ofthese students about the types of foods and their impact on health.
Keywords
media and social networks; students; eating habits; health studies
Hrčak ID:
325531
URI
Publication date:
22.12.2024.
Visits: 27 *