Food Security Status, Dietary Habits, and Nutritional Status Among 16-18 Years Old Students in a University in Iriga City during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Date

2021

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Angelina DR. Felix, PhD

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the problem of food hunger in the world as this heavily affects the global economy that could have a long-term impact on millions. This could also lead to changes in their dietary habits, lifestyle, and food security status. This study aims to determine the relationship between food security and dietary habits among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 134 senior high school students aged 16-18 from the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines, completed an online survey questionnaire via Google Forms to collect data on socio-demographic profile, health and lifestyle characteristics, nutritional status, dietary habits, and food security status of adolescents. Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics 23 and level of significance was set at 95%. Results revealed that most respondents were from poor to lower middle-income households and reported to have no allowance. Based on self-reported height and weight, 52% have a healthy BMI-for-age while most of the other half were classified as wasted. An increased intake of fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, water, and meats. Increased intake of sweets, salty snacks, salt, and condiments was identified during the time of COVID 19 pandemic. Most respondents were also noted to experience mild to severe food insecurity There was a significant correlation between food insecurity and household income (r = -0.286, p = 0.001). However, food security status has no significant correlation with dietary habits (r = 0.096; p = 0.27) and BMI computed based on self-reported height and weight (r= -0.023; p = 0.79). Future extensive studies tackling food insecurity and dietary habits are recommended to learn more about the long-term effects of the pandemic on dietary and overall nutritional health of Filipinos.

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

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