Eating habits and nutritional knowledge of Maltese students

Abstract

Food is a means of survival. However, eating habits are influenced by the availability of food, economic circumstances, cultural and social habits, physiological and psychological attitudes, marketing methods and nutritional growth and knowledge. It is necessary by the body for repair, for a supply of energy and warmth and for protection against disease. It is well-known that several diseases in Malta are a result of poor eating patterns. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. From the survey which was carried out on 149 post-secondary students between the ages of 16 years and 25 years, it was found that their eating patterns and food purchasing practices (snack foods), are inadequate and do not meet their nutritional requirements. In order to lower the incidence of non-communicable diseases, in Malta it is necessary to implement a nutritional awareness programme complemented by nutrition education projects. These should be aimed at reaching all members of the general public by making use of all the possible means available in formal and non-formal education.