DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG COLLEGE GIRLS IN GUWAHATI CITY: A SURVEY STUDY

Abstract

This survey study aimed to assess the dietary habits and nutritional knowledge among college girls in Guwahati City. A total of 200 participants aged 18-25 years were recruited, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on their dietary habits, nutritional knowledge, and sources of nutrition information. Results showed that 58.5% of participants skipped breakfast, and 68.5% consumed fast food more than once a week. Only 35% of participants consumed fruits and vegetables daily, and 42% reported inadequate water intake. The mean nutritional knowledge score was 7.4 out of 15, indicating inadequate knowledge. Television was the primary source of nutrition information for 48.5% of participants. The study findings suggest a need for nutrition education programs targeting college girls to promote healthy dietary habits and improve nutritional knowledge.