Presentation Abstract
Presentation Abstract
Student's Name: Zoe Kalogeropoulos '26
Co-registrant Names:
Type of Presentation: Poster
Presentation Title: "College Students Face Challenges in Eating Healthfully"
Abstract:
College students face unique challenges related to eating healthfully. This qualitative
assessment of research included a review of selected literature focused on the determinants
of healthy eating in this population, which in turn, yielded six research articles
the student researcher felt were most germane to the topic. Overall findings across
studies indicate that there are various factors that influence dietary behaviors,
and subsequently, diet quality in college students. Studies highlighted significant
challenges such as time constraints, lack of education in basic nutrition, stress
related to eating habits, and the presence or absence of campus vendors’ offerings
of healthy options. Students living on campus versus those who lived off campus with
food preparation opportunities varied in their barriers to healthy eating. In one
study, healthier dietary intake was associated with higher cognitive function in students.
The student presenter will outline the potential advantage of adjustments in the college
student’s food environment as well as educational opportunities in order to improve
college student diets so that they might attain improved cognition and set the stage
for a lifetime of health beyond their college years.