THE INFLUENCE OF THE MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE EATING HABITS OF HEALTH STUDENTS

Abstract

Aim: This research aimed to gain insight into the eating habits of health students and determine the influence of the media and social networks on their formation.

Methods: 55 female students of the University of Split, University Department of Health Studies, from the 2nd year of undergraduate studies from two study programs (midwifery and nursing) participated in the study, and their nutrition knowledge was tested by questionnaire. Questions from the validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults were used, and the χ2 test was used to determine the differences between the two study programs.

Results: 11 midwifery students and 44 nursing students participated in the research. The results show that the media and social networks have the greatest influence on their eating habits, with 55% of midwifery students and 68% of nursing students (χ2=1.8; P=0.311). Furthermore, the main sources of information about the nutritional value of food for 56% of the respondents were the media and social networks. Also, the media and social networks influence the restrictive eating patterns of 58% of respondents and the decision to take nutritional supplements in 49% of respondents. The test results related to the intake of certain foods showed that
citrus fruits are mostly consumed seasonally by 48% of the respondents with a statistically significant difference between the study programs (χ2=10.1; P=0.001). No one consumes nuts daily, and none of the respondents consumes bluefish once a week.

Conclusion: The results of the conducted research confirm the trend of a strong and increasing influence of the media and social networks on the eating habits of the student population. The relevance of the research lies in the fact that these are future healthcare professionals who patients consult for advice on diet and food choices given their health condition. Considering the large amount of misinformation about food and nutrition found in the media and on social networks, there is a need for additional education of these students about the types of foods and their impact on health.