Volume 14, Issue 1 (Winter 2026)
Iran J Health Sci 2026, 14(1): 17-24 |
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Amara Jaina O. Pacuribot 
, Justin Angelo B. Perreras , Noireich Benjamin Rogue P. Reduca , Paul Mari Mathew E. Reyes , Mikee Ely M. Roa , Graciela G. Rodriguez , Maria Alexa T. Tiñoña , Lance Patrick B. Toribio , Sofia Cris T. Vitor , Maria Lea Anthoinette Q. Yema , Shelwyn C. Zaluaga , Paolo B. Araune * , Yvette M. Batar
, Justin Angelo B. Perreras , Noireich Benjamin Rogue P. Reduca , Paul Mari Mathew E. Reyes , Mikee Ely M. Roa , Graciela G. Rodriguez , Maria Alexa T. Tiñoña , Lance Patrick B. Toribio , Sofia Cris T. Vitor , Maria Lea Anthoinette Q. Yema , Shelwyn C. Zaluaga , Paolo B. Araune * , Yvette M. Batar
Department of Mathematics, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. , paraune@xu.edu.ph
Abstract: (209 Views)
Background and Purpose: Meal frequency is influenced by multiple individual and environmental factors, yet little is known about whether living arrangements contribute to differences in eating patterns among nursing students. This study examined whether meal frequency among third-year nursing students differed between independent and dependent living arrangements.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 149 third-year nursing students from a private university in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Using a stratified-purposive sampling approach, students were categorized as living independently or dependently. Meal frequency was measured using an online food timing screening (FTS) tool. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and mean meal frequencies, while independent-samples t-tests compared 6 meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner, AM snack, PM snack, and midnight snack) across living arrangements.
Results: Of 149 students, 34 lived independently, and 115 lived dependently. Mean meal frequency was comparable between groups at all meal times. No statistically significant differences were found for breakfast (P=0.056), lunch (P=0.218), dinner (P=0.078), AM snack (P=0.467), PM snack (P=0.339), or midnight snack (P=0.183). Overall, students displayed similar meal and snack patterns regardless of living arrangement.
Conclusion: Living arrangement was not associated with differences in meal frequency among third-year nursing students. These findings suggest that other factors, such as individual preferences, access to food, schedule demands, and academic pressures, may play a stronger role. Future studies should incorporate additional variables and consider multivariate analyses to adjust for potential confounders. Interventions promoting regular eating patterns should extend beyond housing-related factors to more holistically support student nutrition and well-being.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 149 third-year nursing students from a private university in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Using a stratified-purposive sampling approach, students were categorized as living independently or dependently. Meal frequency was measured using an online food timing screening (FTS) tool. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and mean meal frequencies, while independent-samples t-tests compared 6 meal times (breakfast, lunch, dinner, AM snack, PM snack, and midnight snack) across living arrangements.
Results: Of 149 students, 34 lived independently, and 115 lived dependently. Mean meal frequency was comparable between groups at all meal times. No statistically significant differences were found for breakfast (P=0.056), lunch (P=0.218), dinner (P=0.078), AM snack (P=0.467), PM snack (P=0.339), or midnight snack (P=0.183). Overall, students displayed similar meal and snack patterns regardless of living arrangement.
Conclusion: Living arrangement was not associated with differences in meal frequency among third-year nursing students. These findings suggest that other factors, such as individual preferences, access to food, schedule demands, and academic pressures, may play a stronger role. Future studies should incorporate additional variables and consider multivariate analyses to adjust for potential confounders. Interventions promoting regular eating patterns should extend beyond housing-related factors to more holistically support student nutrition and well-being.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Health Education
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