Factors Associated with Self-reported Energy Intake Among University Students in Malaysia During COVID-19 Pandemic

Nor Azman, Nur Mazyunah (2022) Factors Associated with Self-reported Energy Intake Among University Students in Malaysia During COVID-19 Pandemic. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many people’s lives, including the economics, social and politics of countries worldwide. Young adults, including university students, were highly affected by their dietary intake due to their inability to access physical learning fully. Realising that their dietary intake is essential and could be affected by mental health and various aspects during the pandemic, this study has been conducted to determine the factors associated with energy intake among university students in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 university students in Malaysia. The online questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic background, mental health outcome (DASS-21), and physical activity level (IPAQ). The 24-hour dietary recall was performed through online interviews. Results show that the majority of respondents were female (85%), with a mean age of 22.15 ± 0.97, Malay (86.7%), living with their family (56.7%), and had 4-6 individuals per household (68.3%). Most students represented stress 17.07 ± 9.70, and half were classified as having moderate physical activity levels. The mean energy intake of respondents is 1570.99 ± 534.4 kcal, and males have the highest energy intake (1972.17 ± 277.57) than females (1500.19 ± 61.35 kcal). There was a significant difference in mean energy intake between males and females (t=3.671, p=0.001). One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that low (p=0.022) and moderate physical activity levels (p=0.047) are associated with energy intake, except for highly active. The reasons remain unclear, but the possibility of being less active is due to a prolonged stay at home. Most students consumed less energy due to stress or aimed to lose weight during the pandemic before the transition to the endemic.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Khoirul Asrimi Md Nor
Date Deposited:	15 Aug 2023 07:33
Last Modified:	15 Aug 2023 07:33
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/987

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