Eating self-regulatory skill, diet quantity, and diet quality of Malaysian healthcare university students: A cross-sectional study
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2022-0025
- Author:
Ching Li Lee
1
;
Jamilah Abd Jamil
1
;
Jia Tian Chang
1
;
Kar Xsin Yap
1
;
Hsin Yuen Yap
1
;
Wei Jin Khoo
1
Author Information
1. Division of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
diet quality, diet quantity, self-regulation, university students
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2023;29(No.1):27-37
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The ability to self-regulate eating can improve health. This study
aimed to determine the relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet
quantity, and diet quality among Malaysian university students. Methods: This
cross-sectional study involved 132 university students. Eating self-regulatory skill
was assessed using the Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (SREBQ).
Dietary intakes from two 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess diet quantity
and quality. Diet quantity was measured as energy and macronutrient intakes,
analysed using NutritionistPro. Diet quality was measured using the Malaysian
Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI). The relationship between eating self-regulatory
skills, diet quantity, and diet quality were evaluated using tests for differences
between means and multiple linear regression. Results: Male participants (n=47)
consumed more energy than female participants (n=85) (Male: 1850±570 kcal/day,
Female: 1596±567 kcal/day, p=0.015). Participants from the Nutrition and Dietetics
(N&D) course (n=49) had better M-HEI scores than participants from other health
courses (n=83) (N&D course: 52.7±10.5, non-N&D course: 47.2±10.7, p=0.005). The
predictors of energy intake were gender (β=-0.193, p=0.023) and SREBQ score (β=-
0.223, p=0.009). Being female and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were
associated with lower energy intake. The predictors of diet quality were university
course (β=0.240, p=0.005) and SREBQ score (β=0.181, p=0.033). Studying N&D
and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with higher M-HEI
scores. Conclusion: Higher self-regulation of eating behaviour score is a factor that
contributes to lower daily energy intake and higher diet quality score.
- Full text:4.2023my0601.pdf
