https://doi.org/10.4081/hls.2024.12898
Sociodemographic correlates of dietary habits among university students of health sciences in Kosovo
Submitted: 4 August 2024
Accepted: 12 September 2024
Published: 26 September 2024
Accepted: 12 September 2024
Abstract Views: 59
PDF: 23
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Authors
We aimed to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of selected dietary habits among students of health sciences in Kosovo. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2024, including 470 students of health sciences (≈86% females; mean age: 20.7±2.7 years; response rate: 70%). Information on selected dietary habits and sociodemographic factors of the students was gathered. Independent positive correlates of a lower fruit intake (<1 time/day) included male gender (OR=2.3, 95% CI =1.3-4.2) and a lower economic level (OR=1.5, 95% CI =1.0-2.3). Furthermore, positive independent correlates of a higher frequency of consumption of fried foods (≥1 time/day) included male gender (OR=2.2, 95% CI =1.2-4.1), urban residence (OR=1.6, 95% CI =1.0-2.6) and a lower economic level (OR=1.7, 95% CI =1.0-2.7). Conversely, excessive salt intake was positively and strongly correlated to a lower economic level (OR=3.5, 95% CI =2.1-6.0), but inversely related to students’ age (OR=0.4, 95% CI =0.2-0.9). Male gender and particularly a lower economic level were strong correlates of poor dietary habits among university students in Kosovo. Targeted interventions are needed to address dietary habits among youths, with a focus on providing support and resources to economically disadvantaged individuals.
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Supporting Agencies
National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Faculty of Medicine of the University of GjakovaHow to Cite
Jerliu, N., Kamberi, H., Mone, I., Zekaj, D., Krasniqi, P., & Burazeri, G. (2024). Sociodemographic correlates of dietary habits among university students of health sciences in Kosovo. Healthcare in Low-Resource Settings. https://doi.org/10.4081/hls.2024.12898
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