Nutritional status of nursing studentsat Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2023

Abstract

Objective: Describe the nutritional status and some related factors of nursing students at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2023. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study, combining qualitative and quantitative research, was conducted on 416 nursing students studying at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 2023. Results: Quantitative research: The rates of chronic energy deficiency, normal weight and overweight - obesity are 30.1%; 64.1% and 5.8%. Overweight - obese students living in urban areas were higher than in rural areas with OR (95% CI): 10.7 (4.3 - 2.7). There is an association between chronic energy deficiency and overweight - obesity with current residence with OR (95% CI) of 3.7 (1.6 - 8.6) and 4.6 (1.8 - 11.6). There was a difference in the rate of chronic energy deficiency between the group staying with family and staying in boarding houses with OR (95% CI) of 4.5 (1.8 - 11.2). There is a difference in the rate of overweight - obesity between the groups eating with family and eating at restaurants with OR (95% CI) of 3.7 (1.3 - 10.6). Qualitative research: “My current nutritional status is overweight. The reason is that I often eat fast food and soft drinks...” (interview with overweight male student). “In addition to eating main meals with my family, many days I also eat snacks with a group of friends in class” (interview with overweight female student). “On day when I come home late from school and feel tired or lack living expenses at the end of the month, I will skip a few meals a day” (interview with underweight female student). Conclusion: Nursing students at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy have a chronic energy deficiency rate of 30.1%; Overweight - obesity is 5.8%. There is a relationship between students’ nutritional status and where they eat and liv