The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students
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| Language: | English |
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The Ohio State University / OhioLINK
1998
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| Online Access: | http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299069537 |
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ndltd-OhioLink-oai-etd.ohiolink.edu-osu12990695372021-08-03T06:01:44Z The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students Merkle, Ellen Denise <p>With the innovations that have been made in many areas of college residence life, dining options are no exception. Many universities no longer require students who live in residence halls to purchase meal plans. Additionally, many universities provide a combination microwave/refrigerator for the students' use in each room. With these changes, it is expected that eating patterns and food choices would vary. The purpose of this study was to determine if any nutritional intake differences exist between those who have university meal plans and those who do not.</p><p>The sample consisted of 230 students living in an upper-class residence hall at The Ohio State University Autumn 1997 and Winter 1998 quarters. Respondents provided three consecutive weekday food intake records as well as information regarding where they consumed food and the type of meal plan purchased, if any. Non-respondents were also contacted to provide demographic information and information regarding their meal plan purchasing decision to determine if there was a difference between the groups using differing plans.</p><p>Of the 230 eligible residents, 31 completed and returned the food records for a total response rate of 13.5%. There were no statistical differences between respondents and non-respondents. The results indicated that the vast majority of students (N = 29; 94%) participated in a meal plan through the university. The majority of the respondents were female (N = 17;55%) with a mean age of 20 years (range = 19-25).</p><p>Results indicated that overall, college students diets are high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, however, the consumption of fruit juice is high. The consumption of dairy products varied according to each individual but average consumption was low overall. The students also had a low fiber intake. The number of meals consumed in university dining halls was low compared to the number of meals that students picked up to-go at fast food restaurants and ate in their rooms. Additionally, most students snacked until they went to bed.</p><p>The results also indicated that students who participated in university meal plans and consumed two or more meals per day in the commons had the best nutritional intake compared to those who ate less than two meals in the commons per day or did not participate in the university meal plan (zero meals per day in the dining halls).</p><p>The results of this study are that: typical nutritional intake of upper-class college students is compromised due to high caloric and fat intake and low fiber, fruit, vegetable, and milk intake. Results also indicate that nutrition educators may best focus their efforts in providing guidance in how to evaluate diets and in turn, modify behavior.</p> 1998 English text The Ohio State University / OhioLINK http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299069537 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299069537 unrestricted This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws. |
| collection |
NDLTD |
| language |
English |
| sources |
NDLTD |
| author |
Merkle, Ellen Denise |
| spellingShingle |
Merkle, Ellen Denise The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| author_facet |
Merkle, Ellen Denise |
| author_sort |
Merkle, Ellen Denise |
| title |
The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| title_short |
The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| title_full |
The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| title_fullStr |
The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| title_full_unstemmed |
The relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| title_sort |
relationship between meal plans and nutritional intake of college students |
| publisher |
The Ohio State University / OhioLINK |
| publishDate |
1998 |
| url |
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1299069537 |
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AT merkleellendenise therelationshipbetweenmealplansandnutritionalintakeofcollegestudents AT merkleellendenise relationshipbetweenmealplansandnutritionalintakeofcollegestudents |
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