Recommendation of public policies to improve the lifestyles of nursing students at the Regional Autonomous University of the Andes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf20231114Keywords:
Diet, Overweight, Public PoliciesAbstract
The fast pace of life experienced by college students has given rise to dietary patterns that could have serious implications for their overall health and well-being. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to recommend public policies to improve the lifestyles of nursing students at the Regional Autonomous University of the Andes. A cross-sectional descriptive field study is conducted using a mixed method approach. The observations were made using the observation technique, which is further improved by performing anthropometric measurements. The results revealed that a significant majority, which represents are men. In relation to age distribution, individuals between 20 and 29 years old predominated. Additionally, 46 % of participants were classified as overweight, and women represented 51 % of this group. Analysis of their lifestyles indicated that more than half skipped breakfast, although the majority did eat lunch. In conclusion, the study highlighted that poor dietary choices and suboptimal lifestyle practices had tangible effects on participants' health outcomes, such as overweight and excessive body fat levels close to the upper limit. Although the majority did not show any cardiovascular risk factors, there are clear indications that it is necessary to improve dietary habits and modify lifestyle to promote better health among university nursing students.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Shirley Katherine Barrera Loayza, Melanie Jasmín Altamirano Mena, Gloria Rebeca Medina Naranjo (Author)

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