Analysis of adherence to a healthy lifestyle among vegetarian and non-vegetarian Peruvian university students: A cross-sectional survey
Background: Evidence shows that a healthy lifestyle can promote physical and mental
well-being in the general population. However, there are few studies that
assess the adherence to a healthy lifestyle in vegetarian and non-vegetarian
university students. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences
in adherence to a healthy lifestyle between vegetarian and non-vegetarian
university students in Peru.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out considering data from 6,846
students selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The Diet and
Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Peruvian validation of the Vegetarian
Lifestyle Index (VLI), was used. In addition, sociodemographic and
anthropometric data such as weight and height were collected. Body mass index
(BMI) was also calculated.
Results: Semi-vegetarian and vegetarian students had a high healthy lifestyle
score compared to non-vegetarians. In addition, vegetarian diets showed a
significantly higher proportion among students with a lower BMI (normal and
underweight). Students with excess body weight (overweight and obesity) were
less likely to report healthy lifestyle. In the overall population analyzed, it
was observed that the levels of health and lifestyle behaviors, such as daily
exercise and sunlight exposure, were mostly moderate and low. Additionally,
sweets intake was high, while healthy food consumption such as fruits,
vegetables, legumes, and whole grains was low.
Conclusion: The current findings show that although vegetarians had better adherence
to a healthy lifestyle, interventions in the university setting are needed to
improve healthy lifestyle in university students.
Full text: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0299317
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