Frequency of consuming selected product groups among Polish and Spanish physical education students

Abstract

Background. Nutritional behaviours are determined by numerous individual and environmental factors. Objective. The aim of the study was to analyse the frequency of consuming selected food product groups (with potentially beneficial and potentially detrimental effects on health) among physical education students depending on gender and home country. Materials and methods. The study was conducted among 219 Polish and 280 Spanish physical education students, using a standardised questionnaire for obtaining information on views and eating habits for people aged 16-65 (Kom-PAN). In the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test and t-test with independent estimation of variance were incorporated,the significance level at α = 0.05. Results. Among Polish and Spanish students, significant differences in the frequency of consuming certain product groups depending on home country were noted, with Polish students significantly more frequently consuming recommended products (fruit, vegetables, whole-grains, milk, fromage frais, and poultry), but also those non-recommended (purified cereals, cheeses with high fat content, butter, fried foods, sweets and alcoholic beverages). Spanish students significantly more often consumed recommended meals including legume seeds and sea fish, but also non-recommended products (red meat, fast food, sweets and energy drinks). Moreover, significant differences in the frequency of consuming selected product groups depending on sex were observed, with an indication of the tendency for less rational food choices among male students than female students, especially regarding the consumption of: high-milled cereal products, processed and red meat, fatty cheeses, fried foods, lard, sweets and energy drinks. On the other hand, women consumed sweets significantly more often than men, and less often legume seeds and fish. Conclusions. A limited prevalence of rational dietary choices among Polish and Spanish physical education students and their diversity depending on gender and home country have been demonstrated.

Keywords

• frequency of food consumption
• conditioning of food choices
• physical education students