STUDY OF THE EATING HABITS AND BEHAVIOR OF BULGARIAN STUDENTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THEIR HEALTH

Abstract

Nutritional needs evole with children and adolescents as they grow, making a balanced diet essential for their health and development. This study aims to assess weight status, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, beliefs, and motivations regarding healthy eating campaigns among adolescents across Bulgarian cities. Findings will guide recommendations to improve their health and quality of life. Materials and metods. The study used a cross- sectional approach with an onlain survey from 2022 to spring 2023, targeting 14 to 19- year- olds in multiple Bulgarian cities. Data analysis utilized SPSS v.23.0 and Microsoft Excel, covering demogrsphics, dietary and motivations. Results. The study included 566 participants, diverse in age, gender, height and weight. Most were boys (55.8%) and girls (44.2%), averaging 16.09 years in age and 169.7 cm in height. Many fell within the 51- 70kg weight range. While 65% were familiar with healthy eating principles, interest in educational courses varied, and 45.1% had tried dieting.Social media was the primary information sourse for healthy eating among youth. Discussion. This study reveals good awareness of healthy eating among Bulgarian youth but identifies gaps, especially their heavy reliance on social media for nutritional guidance. Effective motivation is crucial for educational engagement, emphasizing both social and educational benefits. Targeted programs and strategic social media use are vital for promoting healthier lifestyles. Conclusions. Socialnetworks and online influencers significantly impact youth awareness of healthy eating, necessitating a critical approach to information. Education remains pivotal in fostering healthy dietary habits through tailored resources and campaigns.

Keywords

• children and adolescents
• nutritional needs
• eating habits and behavior
• balanced diet
• lifestyle