A quantitative investigation of the knowledge and attitudes to obesity among LJMU students

Abstract

Background: Obesity is regarded as an important public health issue that affects an increasing number of people worldwide due to its prevalence, high cost, and negative health consequences. Global data reveals that obesity affects more than one billion people globally, including 650 million adults. University students are more prone to stress, unhealthy eating, and reduced physical activity which contributes to obesity. The aim of the study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes to obesity among LJMU students.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of LJMU Faculty of Health students was carried out. An online self-administered and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the knowledge and attitude of the students. The survey was completed by a total of 27 participants.

Results: The main findings of this investigation showed that majority of the participants had better knowledge about the definition of obesity (81.5%), recommended daily calorie intake for men and women (63.0%), and had less knowledge on the percentage of world’s obese population (85.1%). According to the study, there is a statistically significant difference between students' knowledge of the causes of obesity, their attitudes towards obesity, and both their level of study and their international status. The study also found a statistically significant correlation between students' knowledge of the health consequences of obsesity and their international status. Additionally, the research found that students of both genders were equally knowledgeable on the causes and consequences of obesity and showed no variations in their attitude towards obesity.

Conclusion: Most of the international students and postgraduate students had poor knowledge about the causes and health consequences of obesity and also showed significant variations on their attitudes towards obesity. Therefore, there is a need for enhanced health education programmes among these students focusing on obesity and other associated issues both inside and outside of university campuses.