Dietary behavior and physical activity patterns of tertiary students at a state university in the Philippines

Abstract

Understanding the dietary behavior and physical activity of tertiary students is essential, as these factors significantly impact their physical well-being, academic performance, and long-term health outcomes. This study examined the relationship between dietary intake and physical activity among tertiary student in one state university in the Philippines with family background considered as a contextual factor. A quantitative research design was employed, involving 366 randomly selected students from Hospitality Management (n=247), Food Technology (n=78), and Technology and Livelihood Education (n=41) programs who completed a validated questionnaire through online platforms including a non-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and physical activity items. Results were analyzed and indicated that while many students engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity, they also reported prolonged sedentary behavior averaging a five hours per day. Students with sufficient physical activity were more likely to consume healthier foods (p < 0.05). However, financial constraints contributed to meal skipping and low intake of nutrient-dense foods like legumes and red meat. These findings highlight the interdependence of physical activity and diet, shaped by socio-economic background, and underscore the need for targeted institutional interventions. Higher Education Institutions should integrate nutrition education, affordable healthy meals, and structured physical activity into campus life.