Consumption Behavior of Calcium Rich Nutrient by Students of Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University

Abstract

Calcium is an essential mineral to create and maintain strong bones. If
our body has less calcium, calcium is drawn out resulting in osteoporosis.
The objectives of this study were to investigate calcium consumption behavior
and determine calcium of the students of the Faculty of Public Health,
Khon Kaen University. There were 265 students participating in the study. Data
collection were carried out using questionnaires and recording food intake.
Nutrients intake were calculated using the INMUCALNutrients V3. The
relationship between knowledge, attitudes of nutrition and calcium intake
were determined using Chisquare test and Fisher’s exact test.
Results revealed that most of the students were female (73.9%), with
aged 2021 years old (54.7%). 84.5% had no illness. 47.9% of the students
had knowledge of nutrition in the moderate level. Attitudes were moderate
level of 63.8% . Comparing the energy and nutrient intake with the DRI,
mean energy intake was 974.10 kcal per day, equal to 52.7% of the DRI.
Mean calcium intake was 223mg/day, equal to 27.9% of the DRI. The results
showed that knowledge has been associated with calcium intake statistically
significant with Pvalue 0.002. The attitude has been associated with calcium
intake statistically significant with Pvalue 0.012. So, it should be promoting
dietary intake with high calcium the Public Health student for prevention
osteoporosis.