The Nutritional Status, Food Consumption and Health Related Behavior of Students Majoring in Food and Nutrition of Khon Kaen Vocational College

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the nutritional status, food consumption, and health related
behavior of students of vocational colleges at Khon Kaen, majoring in food and nutrition. A sample of 198
students, including 25 boys and 173 girls, between 16 to 18 years old had been investigated. Information was
obtained by questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were applied by using the STATA statistical software. The
nutritional status was analyzed by using the INMU Thai growth standard.
From all the students questioned 50.5% had meals 3 times per day, while 41.4% had noodles for
lunch, and 49.0% rice and side dishes for diner. Between meals 42.9% of students drank some soda, and
36.4% had some snacks. They exercised 4 times per week, for about 30 minutes and slept for 7 to 8 hours
each night. Most students claimed to be worried sometimes. The usual problems they faced were related to
their studies and examinations. Their health related behavior was quite good in that most of the students did
not smoke cigarettes, only 7.1% smoked 1 cigarette per day. 44.9% had tea or coffee sometime, 31.3% drank
alcohol, but only when joining a party. Regarding food frequencies, everyone had rice every day. 37.9% had
fresh fruits 3 to 4 times per week, and also ate vegetables everyday. They drank fresh milk and had yogurt 1 to
2 times per week, everyone ate pork, beef, and chicken every day. 39.4% had dessert or food mixed with
coconut milk 1 to 2 times per week. The nutritional status of 83.3% of boys and girls using the weight for age
indicator was normal and 8.6% were over weight. Also 65.7% had a normal height for age but the height of
19.7% exceeded the standard in that they were quite tall. 2.5% were quite short. Weight for height was normal
for 72.7% and according to their height 4.5% were over nourished and 6.6% undernourished.
In conclusion, most of the students ate more meat than fruits and vegetables. Most of them didn’t have
any breakfast. Some of students drank alcohol and smoked. Food intake, even for vocational students
majoring in nutrition, is not entirely balanced according to nutritional guidelines. It will be worthwhile to promote
also among this group of adolescents an increased intake of milk, fruits and vegetables. Of special importance
is to advocate that they take their time in the morning to have breakfast. Finally, they should understand how
important it is to abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol.