Nutrition Literacy Status Of University Students, İnfluencing Factors, And İts Relationship With Healthy Nutrition Attitudes

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the nutrition literacy status of university students, the factors influencing it, and its relationship with healthy nutrition attitudes. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 317 students aged 18-24 studying at Pamukkale University were included in the study. A questionnaire was administered to the students, which included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, the Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN) assessing nutrition attitudes. Results: Of the 317 students who participated in the study, 48.9% (n=155) were female, and 17.4% (n=55) were studying in health-related departments. The mean nutrition literacy score of the students was 70.85±9.69. Nutrition literacy scores were found to be significantly higher in those studying in health-related departments compared to other departments, in those who received nutritional education compared to those who did not, and in those who exercised regularly compared to those who did not (p=0.001; p=0.000; p=0.000). Among the students, 56.8% had a high level, 10.1% had an ideal level, and 32.8% had a moderate level of healthy nutrition attitudes. A significant relationship was found between nutrition literacy and healthy nutrition attitudes (r=0.404; p=0.000). Conclusion: The study found that the mean nutrition literacy score of the students was 70.85±9.69, and 56.8% of them had a high level of healthy nutrition attitudes. It was determined that nutrition literacy was higher among students who exercised regularly, received nutritional education/knowledge, and studied in health-related departments. Additionally, an increase in students' nutrition literacy positively influenced their healthy nutrition attitudes. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved.