Evagelou Eleni
Background : During recent years, nutritional knowledge and eating habits of university students have received a great deal of attention, globally. University students especially those living away from home may experience significant environmental changes that exert a negative influence on the quality of their diet. The aim of this study was to explore dietary habits of nursing students in the area of Athens. Method and material : The sample of the study consisted of 435 Nursing students in Technological Educational Institution of Athens. Data were collected by the completion of a self report and anonymous questionnaire designed after elaborate literature review on dietary habits of university students. All statistical tests (x2 and Fischer exact test) were considered to be significant at an alpha level of 0.05 and were performed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 19.0. Results: The study results showed that 88.7% of students preferred home-cooked meals and 11.3% preferred ready meals. In regard to the frequency of consumption of ready meals (souvlaki, pizzas and fast food) 58.6% reported 'rare' consumption while 41.4% 'moderate' consumption. Female students had family made food, 'often' p=0,013 while males ate 'often' ready meals outside home, p=0,030. Female eating habits differed significantly in consumption and frequency of green vegetables compared to male, p=
