BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Average intake of calcium among college students is below the recommended intake, and knowledge surrounding the attitudinal and behavioral factors that influence milk and dairy intake, a primary food source of calcium, is limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate college students' attitudes and behaviors concerning milk and dairy consumption and their association with calcium intake. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Participants were 1,730 undergraduate students who completed an online survey (SurveyMonkey) as part of baseline data collection for a social marketing dairy campaign. The online survey assessed attitudes and behaviors concerning milk and dairy intake, and calcium intake. Questions about milk- and dairy-related attitudes and behaviors were grouped into 14 factors using factor analysis. Predictors of calcium intake were then evaluated. RESULTS: Median calcium intake across all participants was 928.6 mg/day, with males consuming higher calcium intakes than females (P < 0.001). Adjusted for gender, calcium intakes were most strongly (and positively) correlated with associating milk with specific eating occasions and availability (i.e., storing calcium-rich foods in one's dorm or apartment) (both P < 0.001). Other correlates of calcium intake included: positive-viewing milk as healthy (P = 0.039), having family members who drink milk) (P = 0.039), and taking calcium supplements (P = 0.056); and negative-parent rules concerning milk (P = 0.031) and viewing milk in dining halls negatively (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium intakes among college students enrolled in the current study was below the recommended dietary allowance of 1,000 mg/day, reinforcing the need for dietary interventions in this target population, especially females. Practitioners and researchers should consider the factors found here to impact calcium intake, particularly associating milk with specific eating occasions (e.g., milk with breakfast) and having calcium-rich foods available in the dorm room or apartment, as intervention strategies in future efforts aimed at promoting milk and dairy foods and beverages for improved calcium intake in college students.
Beverages ; Calcium* ; Dairy Products ; Data Collection ; Eating ; Female ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; Humans ; Male ; Milk* ; Recommended Dietary Allowances ; Social Marketing ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines continues to see an increasing trend in diagnosed cases of HIV. The
predominant population of males having sex with men (MSM) is the 25-34 years age group, but trends
show an increasing incidence in younger populations. This study aimed to determine the participants'
HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and practices and its relationships with the sociodemographic
factors of youth MSM in Metro Manila.

METHODS: The researchers used an analytic, cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire.
The survey tool consisted on 24 items on knowledge and 12 on attitudes. Respondents were classified
into "inadequate" and "adequate" knowledge, and "poor" and "good" attitudes for the analysis. Purposive
sampling was used to recruit 251 respondents.

RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 22 ± 1.7 years. Most of the respondents had high HIV
knowledge and good attitudes towards PLHIV but still engaged in risky sexual practices. Those who had
undergone HIV testing were significantly more likely to have good knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS. With
regards to attitudes, those not in a relationship were significantly more likely to have positive attitudes
towards PLHIV and HIV/AIDS.

CONCLUSION: HIV testing status positively influences HIV/AIDS-related knowledge while being single
positively influences attitudes towards PLHIV and HIV/AIDS. No significant findings were found between
age, educational attainment and religious affiliation with knowledge and attitudes.

Human ; Hiv ; Sex ; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome