Eating Behaviours among College Students: A Study using Focus Group Discussions

Sneha Sharma; Mr Ravi Kumar Bakshi

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Eating Behaviours among College Students: A Study using Focus Group Discussions

Sneha Sharma, Mr Ravi Kumar Bakshi

Abstract :

From secondary schools to college is a crucial transition in the lives of students. It is a critical period wherein various changes take place in the students� lives i.e. socializing, use of internet, unhealthy changes in eating behaviors etc. Changes in eating habits is one of the most important among all. During the transition from schools to college, students gain more financial and decision-making independency and so they are confronted to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy food choices. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing college students� eating behaviour, using a qualitative research design. Also, the study aimed to collect opinions and recommendations in order to develop appropriate interventions to that aims to improve health eating habits among college students. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, three focus group discussions were conducted consisting of college teaching staff, non-teaching staff and the students from two disciplines i.e. management and technology. Students were reported to be influenced by individual factors i.e. taste preferences, self-control, lack of parental control, shortage of time and convenience; their social networks i.e. friends and peers; physical surroundings i.e. availability and accessibility of food, appeal and prices of food product; and marketing strategies i.e. influence of media and advertising. Furthermore, eating behaviour seem to be affected by the other characteristics such as residency, societies and amount of work (exams in case of students). Recommendations for college administration, teachers and parents include initiating health awareness programs, providing information to make healthy food choices, enhancing self-control, developing time management skills, enhancing social support and enhancing campus physical surroundings by making healthy and cost effective food items available. A focused group discussion was conducted on the same issue