Nutritional educational program in university students

Abstract

Introduction: A healthy diet allows to maintain a good state of health, hence it must provide the necessary nutrients according to the requirements of the person according to their sex and age. Various clinical and epidemiological studies show that changes in the diet have caused an increase in people who are overweight and obese, hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational program and healthy eating on the nutritional status of students of low socioeconomic status of the National University of Barranca. Material and method: Quasi-experimental design study with participation of 136 students selected through the Household Focalization System Sheet (SISFOH). The anthropometric evaluation, biochemical profile, knowledge test, attitudes and eating practices were estimated before and after the intervention of a nutritional educational program. This program consisted of providing healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as workshops and demonstration sessions for a period of 16 weeks according to schedule. Results: 48 malnourished students are observed before the intervention and only 30 students after malnutrition. Also, after the intervention hemoglobin values are higher, recovering cases of mild and moderate anemia. Glucose, albumin and globulins decreased and no significant difference was observed in triglycerides and bilirubin. Conclusions: The intervention of the nutritional educational program has a positive impact on the nutritional status of university students according to the Mc Nemar Test, (P-value = 0.000 < 0.05).