FOOD CHOICES AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT DISEASES ASSOCIATED AMONG PRIVATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA

Abstract

Introduction: Diet related diseases are diseases in human body for a long period of time that is not dangerous and it can be preventable. This diet related diseases occur due to poor eating habits. Diet related diseases includes obesity, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, and dental diseases. Methods: A survey was carried out to discover the food choices and knowledge about diseases associated among Management and Science University students. For this research study, survey method was used to collect the data. The method used to collect data which is by questionnaire which is very effective and cost effective. The questionnaire was designed in simple manner, easy to read and easy to understand for the respondents and avoid any misunderstanding. Results: Most of the students which is 277 had poor knowledge in choosing food (69.3%). Not only that, 123 students have good knowledge in choosing food (30.8%). By this, we found out that most of the students have poor knowledge in choosing food. Moreover, 161 students have poor knowledge about diet related diseases (40.3%). Moreover, 239 students have good knowledge about diet related diseases (59.8%). students who have poor knowledge in choosing food which is 156 students have poor knowledge about diet related diseases as well (96.9%). Only 5 students who are good in choosing food are having poor knowledge about diet related diseases (3.1%). Moreover, 121 students who are poor in choosing food have a very good knowledge about diet related diseases (50.6%). Whereas, 118 students who are good in choosing food have a very good knowledge about diet related diseases (49.4%). Conclusion: By this, we found out that majority student have poor knowledge in choosing food and poor knowledge about diet related diseases.

Keywords

• msu students, food choice, knowledge about diet related diseases