Abstract

Author(s): Català Oltra, Lluís1; Tormo-Santamaria, Maria2

Introduction: The post-crisis period may have had an impact on the eating habits and body image of university students, after decades of progressive transformation in food consumption and patterns in Western countries.

Objectives: • To compare the difference in the results of two surveys (2018 and 2003) in terms of: • Food consumption patterns and meal preparation. • Dietary practices. • Differences according to sex.

Methods: This descriptive study used a survey and quota sampling (by sex and field of study). The units of analysis are the University of Alicante’s bachelor’s and master’s degree students enrolled during the 2017/2018 school year (in 2003 these were students of the first and second cycles enrolled in the school year 2002/2003). Universe: 23,827 students in 2017 (28,483 in 2003). Sample size: 402 in 2017 and 375 in 2003.

Results: 20.7% of students in 2018 consumed fruit during breaks (compared to 6.3% in 2003), 45.2% usually eat at fast food restaurants (compared to 52% in 2003).

Conclusions: Students in 2018 showed of healthier eating habits.