Analysis of Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle Among Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian Peruvian University Students: A Cross-sectional Survey

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2024 Feb 23

PMID 38394083

Authors

Jacksaint Saintila

Ricardo Rojas-Humpire

Edda E Newball-Noriega

Salomon Huancahuire-Vega

Felipe L Ignacio-Cconchoy

Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Evidence shows that a healthy lifestyle can promote physical and mental well-being in the general population. However, there are few studies that assess the adherence to a healthy lifestyle in vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in adherence to a healthy lifestyle between vegetarian and non-vegetarian university students in Peru.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out considering data from 6,846 students selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Peruvian validation of the Vegetarian Lifestyle Index (VLI), was used. In addition, sociodemographic and anthropometric data such as weight and height were collected. Body mass index (BMI) was also calculated.

Results: Semi-vegetarian and vegetarian students had a high healthy lifestyle score compared to non-vegetarians. In addition, vegetarian diets showed a significantly higher proportion among students with a lower BMI (normal and underweight). Students with excess body weight (overweight and obesity) were less likely to report healthy lifestyle. In the overall population analyzed, it was observed that the levels of health and lifestyle behaviors, such as daily exercise and sunlight exposure, were mostly moderate and low. Additionally, sweets intake was high, while healthy food consumption such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains was low.

Conclusion: The current findings show that although vegetarians had better adherence to a healthy lifestyle, interventions in the university setting are needed to improve healthy lifestyle in university students.

Citing Articles

Body Mass Index, Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle, and Breakfast Consumption Associated with Religious Affiliation in Peruvian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Levano-Matos L, Saintila J, Galvez-Diaz N, Calizaya-Milla Y Nutrients. 2024; 16(15).

PMID: 39125369 PMC: 11314426. DOI: 10.3390/nu16152489.

Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Eating, and Body Mass Index among Self-Reported Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peruvian Adults.

Saintila J, Carranza-Cubas S, Serpa-Barrientos A, Carranza Esteban R, Cunza-Aranzabal D, Calizaya-Milla Y Nutrients. 2024; 16(11).

PMID: 38892596 PMC: 11174459. DOI: 10.3390/nu16111663.

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