Graduate Program

Family and Consumer Studies

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2009

Thesis Director

James Painter

Thesis Committee Member

Karla Kennedy-Hagan

Thesis Committee Member

Carla Honselman

Abstract

This thesis project was undertaken to discover the acceptance of heart healthy food items among college students. Previous studies stated that many college students leaving home and entering college for the first time often make choices that are less healthful. The researchers suggest that this is because of adopting poor diets. As a result of consuming an unhealthy diet coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, students may increase their risk of developing a variety of diseases, such as CVD, later in life.

Data for this study were collected from a sample of 100 college students at a Midwestern University. The samples included undergraduate and graduate students of both sexes who are enrolled in the university as either full time or part time students. The researcher recruited the first 100 students that agree to participate in the study.

Data suggest that most students (90%) were receptive to consuming more of the heart healthy food items that were listed on the questionnaire. A majority of them were willing to incorporate these foods into their daily diet.

Research results indicated there is also a need for increasing the role of the dietitian in giving advice to students on the best practices on healthy eating. The study also suggests areas that need further exploration to find an effective remedy for this important issue such as the things that affects students' food choices.

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