Lifestyle factors and dietary intake of Iranian postgraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Journal Title: Electronic Physician - Year 2013, Vol 5, Issue 3

Abstract

Background: A student’s lifestyle can change notably in a foreign country. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with the body weight status of Iranian postgraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) 2009. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was administered to 210 Iranian postgraduate students at UPM. Anthropometric factors also were measured using standard procedures. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) also were calculated. The chi-squared test, Spearman's rho, and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient were used to determine the associations between the variables that were studied. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure the amount of influence a predictor variable had on a outcome variable. Results: There was no significant correlation between nutritional knowledge (P > 0.05), weight-management knowledge (P > 0.05), and smoking (P > 0.05) and BMI. There were statistically significant correlations between gender (P < 0.01), physical activity (P < 0.05), protein (P < 0.01), carbohydrate (P < 0.01), fat (P < 0.01), fiber (P < 0.01), vitamin C (P < 0.05), calcium (P < 0.01), and iron (P < 0.01) and BMI. There were also relationships between body fat (P < 0.01), waist circumference (P < 0.01), hip circumference (P < 0.01) and WHR (P < 0.01) and BMI. Conclusion: Our findings showed the need for a nutrition promotion program for the Iranian students to help them change their negative food habits and improve their lifestyles.

Authors and Affiliations

Maryam Zarei, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib, Fatemeh Zarei

Keywords

Related Articles

 Balanitis in Down syndrome-A case from Malaysia

 This case illustrates the management by a primary care physician of a child with Down syndrome who had recurrent balanitis. Various methods of management were tried. Eventually it was just by practicing proper geni...

The clinical evaluation of Vi-one chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque-induced gingivitis: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most effective antiseptic mouthwash to date. Essential oil such as thymol, have inhibitory and biocidal effects a range of bacteria. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of mouthwash...

Anxiety and depression in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disorder

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows an influence relationship between described symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) and emotional state. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between anxiety and depression wit...

Effect of nicorandil on QT dispersion in patients with stable angina pectoris undergoing elective angioplasty: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND: Nicorandil leads to the relaxation of fine vascular smooth muscle, and thus causes vasodilatation of major epicardial. Also, it has anti-arrhythmic and cardio-protective effects by improving reperfusion, and...

Effect of Sexual Counseling on Marital Satisfaction of Pregnant Women Referring to Health Centers in Malayer (Iran): An educational randomized experimental study

INTRODUCTION: One of the most important factors in marital satisfaction is the satisfaction of a healthy sexual relationship between spouses. During pregnancy marital satisfaction may decrease due to sexual problems. Sex...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP104478
  • DOI -
  • Views 77
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Maryam Zarei, Mohd Nasir Mohd Taib, Fatemeh Zarei (2013). Lifestyle factors and dietary intake of Iranian postgraduate students in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Electronic Physician, 5(3), 687-697. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-104478