ANTHROPOMETRIC PATTERN AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT DAI NAM UNIVERSITY IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2022- 2023

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the nutritional status of Dai Nam University students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 undergraduate students in the academic year 2022-2023. Anthropometric indices were measured. The questionnaire was used to collect data on epidemiological characteristics, daily diet, and living conditions. Nutritional status was classified using body mass index (BMI) cut-offs proposed by the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region in 2000. Results: The average height and weight were, respectively, 165.3 ± 9.7 cm and 64.0 ± 11.1 kg in boys, and 160.6 ± 7.8 cm and 48.5 ± 6.6 kg in girls. The average BMI (kg/m2) was 23.6 ± 4.9 in boys and 18.9 ± 3.1 in girls. The rates of chronic energy deficiency, overweight, and obesity were respectively 36.4%, 7.7%, and 13.2% in the cohort (10.1%, 12.2%, 23.1% in boys and 49.5%, 5.4%, 3.22% in girls). Conclusions: The study highlighted the high prevalence of chronic energy deficiency and overweight-obesity among students at Dai Nam University. The university and families need to pay more attention to the dietary regime and organize nutrition education sessions for students.