Dietary Differences in Health Sciences Students

Authors

  • Mirela Lisičić Konaković Sarajevo Canton Health Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0112-6030
  • Sabina Šečić-Selimović Department of Health Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0260-2975
  • Arzija Pašalić Department of Health Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Nihad Fejzić Veterinary faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3310-6835
  • Irena Drmić Hofman Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia
  • Amina Šeta Polyclinic UniMed, University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3697-8006
  • Ljerka Ostojić Academy of Arts and Sciences of Bosnia and Hercegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Medical Faculty, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Ivan Čavar Department of Physiology, Medical faculty, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Lutvo Sporišević Sarajevo Canton Health Center, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8075-961X
  • Antonela Matana The University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia
  • Mario Marendić University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Split, Croatia
  • Anes Jogunčić Institute of Public Health Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Aida Pilav Institute of Public Health Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Senka Mesihović-Dinarević Academy of Arts and Sciences of Bosnia and Hercegovina, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Medical Faculty, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0862-0103

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17532/jhsci.2025.2846

Keywords:

students, dietary habits, mediterranean diet

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of nutrition on human health has become a central topic in modern research. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of non-Mediterranean diets, particularly among students, remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine differences in the dietary habits of health sciences students in two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Mostar and Sarajevo) and Split, Croatia.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and November 2024, including 473 students (Mostar: 125, Sarajevo: 230, Split: 118). Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s chi-square test, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Students from Split showed significantly higher adherence to Mediterranean dietary habits, including greater consumption of vegetables (p = 0.009), fish (p = 0.035), legumes (p = 0.036), and tomato sauce (p = 0.022). Students in Sarajevo reported the highest intake of sugary drinks (p < 0.01), while those in Split consumed the least margarine and cream-based fats (p = 0.003). No significant differences were found in fruit consumption.

Conclusion: Given the importance of diet in preventing chronic diseases, targeted nutrition education programs are needed to promote healthier eating habits among students. Future research should explore the underlying causes of these dietary differences and their long-term health implications.


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Published

30.04.2025

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Research articles

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How to Cite

1.
Dietary Differences in Health Sciences Students. JHSCI [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 30 [cited 2025 May 1];. Available from: https://www.jhsci.ba/ojs/index.php/jhsci/article/view/2846