Analysis nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practice among pharmacy students at Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy

Tóm tắt

Objectives: To assess the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and to identify factors associated with dietary behaviors among students at Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy. Background: Inadequate nutrition is a significant public health challenge, particularly among university students in health-related fields. This study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) and to identify associated factors among students at Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 385 students using a standardized, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify predictors of dietary habits. Results: The findings revealed a significant gap between nutritional knowledge and dietary practices. While students demonstrated a moderate level of nutritional knowledge (average score: 55.84%), their practical application was limited. Logistic regression analysis identified "eating out" (OR=3.5, p<0.001) and "stress-eating" (OR=2.8, p<0.001) as the strongest risk factors for unhealthy dietary habits. Conversely, higher nutritional knowledge was a significant protective factor (OR=0.75, p=0.021). Although 52.99% of students understood the principles of a balanced diet, only 26.75% reported a preference for healthy foods, indicating the strong influence of personal taste and convenience. Conclusion: Pharmacy students at Hai Duong Central College of Pharmacy possess moderate nutritional knowledge that is poorly translated into practice. The significant disparity between awareness and behavior suggests that educational interventions alone are insufficient. Comprehensive strategies that address the food environment, psychological stressors, and practical barriers are essential to sustainably improve students' nutritional habits and overall health.