Protein and Calorie Intake Patterns by Hebron University Students

Sabri SAGHIR; Jamal Abo OMAR

Authors

Sabri SAGHIR Faculty of Agriculture, Hebron University, Hebron
Jamal Abo OMAR Faculty of Agriculture, An Najah National University, Nablus

Keywords:

Calorie, protein, university students, physical activity level

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the pattern of calorie and protein consumption by Hebron University students. A sample size of 238 students (males and females) of ages ranged from 18 to 23 years was the target of this study. A food frequency questionnaire and 3 days food record were designed and used, and a pilot survey was carried out among university students to identify the food items commonly eaten by them. Nutrient intakes were estimated by using WinDiets software with values based mainly on the food-composition tables. Results were expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD). ANOVA and Student’s paired t-test were used for data analysis. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

The study showed that fathers of all students investigated were of secondary education or higher. However, mothers were of lower levels of education. The majority of students were village residents (55 %) while only 8 % were refugee camps residence. About 63 % of students consumed less than 3 meals per day. Regarding the physical activity level (PAL), most of students had low to moderate activities (88 %) compared to only 12 % of them who had high activity. Calorie and protein intake was not affected by gender. However, the intake of calories was lower than that of the WHO recommendations. Family income had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on both calories and protein consumption. Similar significant trends were observed in the effects of family size and number of sibling. The consumption of all nutrients concerned was higher in Fridays compared to the consumption in Saturdays and Mondays. However, this increase in consumption is not statistically significant. In conclusion, university students have bad eating patterns when considering numbers of daily meals and fat and total calorie intakes and protein and calcium intakes were comparable with the dietary recommendations of the WHO. More studies are needed to follow up the pattern of food consumption in more detail considering more universities in the country.

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Author Biography

Jamal Abo OMAR, Faculty of Agriculture, An Najah National University, Nablus

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:
1. Editor, 2003, the Sheep Manual, a joint activity with several middle east countries.
2. A study on sheep and goats raising in the West Bank, 1984. Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
3. A study on poultry raising in West Bank, 1985, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
4. A study on feed industry in the West Bank, 1985, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
5. A feasibility study on several livestock branches in West Bank, 1986, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
6. A study on the feasibility of establishing a tannery in West Bank. 1989, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
7. A study on the sheep and goats projects in West Bank, 1992, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
8. A study on using urea in ruminant rations, 1992, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
9. A study on using growth promoters in fattening animals, 1992, Rural Research Center, An Najah National University (in Arabic).
10. A proposal on the utilization of animal wastes, 1996.
11. A proposal on the potential of upgrading and use of olive cake in livestock rations, 2001.
12. A proposal on establishing a feed factory in West Bank, 1999.
13. A proposal on establishing a factory of eggs trays, 2000.
14. A study on feed industry in West Bank, 1998, Palestinian Research Center, Nablus, Palestine.

OTHER ACTIVITIES:
1. Active in the research area of utilization of by-products by animals. Founder of the An Najah National University biomass fermenter, 2001. Conduct research in the areas of animal nutrition, management, and production.
2. Founder of the feed analysis unit, Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, An Najah National University.
3. Treasurer of the Agricultural Engineers Association, West Bank. 1996-1999.

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