Knowledge and perceptions of Saudi dietary guidelines and their influence on dietary choices in female students at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University

Abstract

Background: Saudi dietary habits and lifestyle have changed over the last four decades as a result of socio-economic and cultural change in Saudi Arabia, and these changes have led to an increase in non-communicable diseases in among the Saudi population. Only a small proportion of the Saudi population have met the recommended dietary guidelines due to lack of knowledge about the recommendations. Research on the Saudi population’s knowledge and perceptions of the Saudi dietary guidelines will help promote community health in Saudi Arabia. Aim: To assess Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) students’ awareness regarding Saudi dietary guidelines (the Healthy Diet Palm) and to investigate how this awareness is associated with their dietary choices. Method: This research used a cross-sectional study that included 137 students from different colleges. Data were collected using a self-reported paper questionnaire, and the anthropometric measurements were measured using primary health care at PNU. The 24-hour dietary recall was used to determine the quality and quantity of participants’ food consumption over the course of three days. Multiple linear regression was used to test if there was an association between participants’ awareness of dietary guidelines and food group consumption and whether there was a relationship between demographic data, awareness and food group consumption. Results: There was an association between the awareness of dietary guidelines and participants’ consumption of meat, fruit and vegetables (P = < 0.05). Also, marital status and household income were significantly correlated with dietary awareness and food group consumption (P = <0.05). Also, family type was significantly correlated with fruit group consumption (P = 0.02) Conclusion: This study found that participants had intermediate to high awareness of the dietary guidelines; however, their awareness did not associate with their food choices and they did not meet the Saudi dietary recommendations. Practically, use technology in promoting health, such as smartphone applications to encourage Saudis to change lifestyle.