Dietary Practices, Lifestyle Patterns and Nutritional Status of Emerging Male Adults in Different Living Arrangements

Medha Gupta and Shipra Gupta*

Department of Food and Nutrition, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.

Corresponding Author Email: shipra.gupta@ihe.du.ac.in

Emerging adulthood is a unique developmental period when many individuals are attending college, and their autonomy and self-sufficiency are increasing. Enrolment to higher education impacts the living arrangements of emerging adults contributing to a high-risk time for adverse health behaviours. The present study determined and compared the dietary practices, lifestyle patterns and nutritional status of emerging male adults (18-25 years) in different living arrangements. A total of 75 emerging males; 25 each living at home, in on-campus hostels, and in off-campus rented accommodations constituted the study sample. Data were gathered from the participants using an interview-cum-questionnaire schedule and a two day 24 hour diet recall method. Anthropometric measurements were also recorded. Findings revealed that higher percentage of participants living in hostels participated in outdoor games frequently, had regular meals and better mean nutrient intake as compared to participants living at home or in rented accommodations. A significant difference among the three groups was observed for the mean intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate, calcium, and riboflavin. Higher percentages of participants living at home and in rented accommodations were classified as overweight or obese as compared to those living in hostels, though the difference was not statistically significant. It could be concluded that living in hostels under some adult supervision in the form of hostel authorities provided the much needed independence as well as control in the correct dose to the emerging adults, to become responsible adults and develop healthy dietary and lifestyle practices.

Body mass index; Dietary practices; Emerging adults; Lifestyle pattern; Living arrangements; Nutritional status

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