Factors associated with dietary intake in Peruvian university students in post-pandemic times.

Abstract

Introduction: The dietary intake of Peruvian university students may be affected by different factors that determine a physical and mental health condition which frustrates optimal academic development.

 Objective: To identify the factors associated with dietary intake in Peruvian university students in post-pandemic times.

Material and methods: The study was cross-sectional, 393 Peruvian university students participated in a dietary intake survey with 9 food groups, 7 factors and 3 categories. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test.

Results: Cereal intake was associated with sex and cohabitation with family (p<0.05), tuber and vegetable intake was associated with place of food consumption and cohabitation with family (p<0.05), meat intake was associated with place of food consumption, alcohol consumption and economic changes in the home (p<0.05). Fruit intake was associated with physical activity (p<0.05), vegetable intake was associated with living with family, place of food consumption, alcohol consumption and hours of sleep (p<0.05). Vegetable oil intake was associated with living with family (p<0.05) and ultra-processed food was associated with place of food consumption and alcohol consumption (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The food intake of Peruvian university students was associated with sex, cohabitation with family, place of food consumption, alcohol consumption, economic changes in the home, physical activity and hours of sleep.