Assessment of nutritional status of the dormitory students at Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City
The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of the dormitory students at Nong Lam University, Ho Chi Minh City. The nutritional status was assessed based on body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and body fat percentage. Food consumption data were obtained through the application of a 24-h food recall. Socioeconomic and behavioral variables were obtained by a structured questionnaire. Results from 240 dormitory students (136 females and 104 males) showed means of BMI of 20.37 ± 2.82 kg/m2, WHR means of male and female students of 0.85 and 0.80 respectively; and the average body fat percentage was 20.13 ± 6.49%. Sixty-six percent of students were in normal health status. The proportion of students overweight-obesity was 3.75%, and greater in males higher than in females. The overall malnutrition rate was 29.59%, and greater in female students than in male students. Food consumption data obtained through the application of a 24-h food recall showed that dormitory students frequently consumed high-carbohydrates foods and low-fiber foods (fruits, fresh vegetables). Therefore, there is a need to implement health education interventions strategies to improve the nutritional status of students.