Eating Habits of Graduate students

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Obesity in the United States has been on the rise, with the number of overweight children and teens doubling over the past decade. Americans are inundated with commercials and advertisements marketing high-fat, high-sugar foods, which are easily accessible in the form of fast food marked at low prices ( Greenblatt , 2003). Many Americans find that after a strenuous day at work, it is quicker and more convenient to eat out than spend time shopping for ingredients and putting a meal together, especially when eating out also seems to be more cost-effective in a money-strapped economy. Method Discussion Eating Habits of Graduate Students Gabriella Rodriguez, Missy MacDonald, Krystal Tang, Helen Ma Azusa Pacific University, Marriage and Family Therapy Program On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times. On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times. References Literature Review Results This study used two groups of participants, one consisting of seven adults currently enrolled in graduate programs in Azusa Pacific University and the other, consisting of 8 non-graduate adults. Six males and nine females between the ages of 18-54 participated in the experiment (M=24.5 years old). Only those who are of eighteen years of age or older were permitted to volunteer for this study According to the results for the first part of study, eating habits, about 85.7% of all the graduate participants agreed with the statement of "On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times ( M = 3.7, SD = 1.16)." In contrast, only 37.5% of non-graduate participants agreed with this statement ( M= 3.3, SD= 1.2). This supports the hypothesis of the study. The results from the survey supported our hypothesis of whether graduate students eat out more often than non-graduate students. As seen from the results, graduate students agreed to eating out at a restaurant or fast food place more than non-graduate students. Non-graduate students ate more home-cooked meals on a weekly basis than graduate students. Berry, T.R., Jackson, R.A., & Kennedy, M.D. (2009). The relationship between lifestyle and campus eating behaviours in male and female university students. College Student Journal. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCR/is_3_43/ai_n35569160/ Graduate Students Non-Graduate Students

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Literature Review Obesity in the United States has been on the rise, with the number of overweight children and teens doubling over the past decade. Americans are inundated with commercials and advertisements marketing high-fat, high-sugar foods, which are easily accessible in the form of fast food marked at low prices (Greenblatt, 2003). Many Americans find that after a strenuous day at work, it is quicker and more convenient to eat out than spend time shopping for ingredients and putting a meal together, especially when eating out also seems to be more cost-effective in a money-strapped economy. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there is a great concern over restaurant eating contributing to the rise in obesity across America, due to over-sized portions and unhealthy ingredients being used in restaurant cooking (Jonsson, 2006). It seems that though fast food patrons are aware of the “fast food poisons” that they are consuming, the ease and convenience, as well as that “happy” childhood nostalgia, keep patrons coming back for more (Prakash, M. S., & Stuchul, D. L., 2003). Though patrons may be aware that what they are consuming would not be considered “healthy,” many of them underestimate the number of calories they take in during a fast food meal. Brian Wansink and Pierre Chandon conducted a study where 105 lunchtime diners were asked to estimate the amount of calories in a fast-food meal they had ordered and consumed. Though the researchers hypothesized that normal-weight patrons would estimate the number of calories they consumed more accurately than overweight patrons, the results showed that calorie estimations were almost identical between overweight and normal weight participants. This goes to show that people are eating high-fat, high-calorie foods with little knowledge of just how unhealthy the food is (Chandon, P. & Wansink, B., 2006). College students are an especially vulnerable target to the ease and convenience of fast food due to their time-constricted, hectic schedules. The time- and money-saving benefit of a quick meal has taken precedence over the time and effort involved in grocery shopping and preparing food. However, weight gain has been linked to college students who experience the pressure and stress of classes, and consequently neglect their nutrition. Fast food is more appealing with its affordability and accessibility, yet plays a major factor in weight gain and decreased health seen among college students (Berry et al. 2009). A study done by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association reported that 25% of all fast-food patrons are college students, who place high value on a close location and quick and efficient service for their dining experience (HFG Consulting).

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Literature Review Yet, this “ease and convenience” is coming at a high price, with college students becoming a susceptible population to the effects of obesity. For young adults experiencing independence and freedom for the first time, making healthy eating decisions is not usually a main priority, especially for those who grew up in families where health and nutrition were not discussed nor emphasized (Horton, 2009). Many other factors contribute the food choices college students make, such as cooking experience, financial status, and the absence of presence of company during a meal. Those with limited experience, low financial means, and eating meals without company are more likely to eat out than prepare a meal at home (Collins). Dining out has not only become about “eating” per se, but also about entertainment, seen as a social gathering among family and friends. Thus families, couples, and individuals view eating out as a chance to engage with others, making it a popular social activity (Clark). Many students suffer the consequences of poor nutrition in other aspects of their lives, such as interrupted sleep, low energy, and difficulty concentrating in class. A study entitled, “Analysis of eating habits according to socio-demographic characteristics of college students,” by Mitwe N. Musingo and Lihong Wang showed that college students have somewhat irregular eating patterns, given the stress of a school day. The researchers found that the average student skipped at least one of the three meals per day, students living on campus are more likely to order food or dine at a restaurant, and that students are more likely to eat processed fruits and vegetables as opposed to fresh fruits and vegetables ( Musingo , M.N. and L. Wang, 2009). Although college students expect that they are saving money by eating out at fast food places or inexpensive restaurants, they do not realize that much of their budget goes toward supporting their unhealthy habits. The expense of fast food is one of the biggest expenditures college students make throughout the year (Stuart, B. & Stuart, K. 1995). The effects of living an unhealthy lifestyle based off of fast food can leave long-term effects. In a study entitled, “Long-term increase of fat mass after a four week intervention with fast food based hyperalimentation and limitation of physical activity,” by Asa Ernersson , Fredrik H., and Torbjörn Lindström , the long-term effects on body composition after a four-week period where exercise and body movement was limited and fast food was consumed daily were studied. Fat mass and weight increased over this time, and 6 months later, when the researchers checked in with the participants again, their body weight had decreased but not to baseline values. It shows that 4 weeks of unhealthy eating coupled with limited movement affected the individuals 6 months later, once they had resumed their normal living habits. This raises the question about when short stints of poor nutrition and no exercise can leave long-lasting effects on the body ( Ernersson , A., Nystrom , F. H., & Lindström , T., 2010).

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Literature Review Fast food and eating out has become a popular way of socially engaging with others as well as a low cost, convenient means of dining. However, with the use of unhealthy, high-fat, high calorie foods, eating out is contributing to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Many people are unaware that what they are consuming could be leaving negative long-term effects on their bodies. With obesity on the rise, awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits and exercise is crucial to saving future generations from the effects of obesity.

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Method Participants This study used two groups of participants, one consisting of seven adults currently enrolled in graduate programs in Azusa Pacific University and the other, consisting of 8 non-graduate adults. Six males and nine females between the ages of 18-54 participated in the experiment (M=24.5 years old). Only those who are of eighteen years of age or older were permitted to volunteer for this study. The participants were derived from a convenience sample of friends and family members of those conducting the research. Each participant was contacted via email and asked if they would be willing to fill out an online survey for this study. The email included a link to the online survey. The participants were given two weeks to complete the survey. Materials The online survey was created by the researchers on Survey Gizmo, a free data collecting program. It was a 19-item survey that evaluating the habits and attitudes of adult food consumption. It consisted of 12 qualitative questions, 2 quantitative questions, 2 open-ended questions. Each qualitative question required participants to respond on a 5 point Likert-type scale. Responses ranged from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” with the high score of 5 being “strongly agree.” The quantitative questions required participants to respond with either a “yes” or “no.” The open-ended question, had space available for the participant to write out their answer in 50 characters. The end of the survey contained 3 demographic questions; age range, graduate student status and gender. Procedures The experimenters first formulated the questions of the survey as a group. The questions were formulated with the intention of collecting data on the attitudes and habits of food consumption in adults. The questions were sent to the Azusa Pacific University’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment for review and approval. Once the questions were approved by the board, the researchers used Survey Gizmo, an online data collector, to create the survey. Once the online survey was setup and ready to begin collecting data, 8 participants from each group were contacted via email and asked if they would be willing to participate in the study by filling out an online survey. Those who agreed were included in the sample. The email included the OIRA approval, explained the focus of the study and informed them of their right to withdrawal at any time. Subjects were also notified that the surveys to be used for the study would have to be completed and submitted within 14 days of receiving the email. There was a link attached to the message that directed them to the online survey. After the 14 day survey period was over, the survey was blocked from collecting anymore data and several reports were run to evaluate what was collected.

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Results The research focused on three areas that corresponded to the hypothesis. The survey asked questions that provided information on the participant’s eating habits, attitudes towards fast-food and home-cooked food and how business effects the participant’s choice of food. According to the results for the first part of study, eating habits, about 85.7% of all the graduate participants agreed with the statement of "On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times ( M = 3.7, SD = 1.16) (see graph 1; table 1)." In contrast, only 37.5% of non-graduate participants agreed with this statement ( M= 3.3, SD= 1.2) ( see graph 2 ; table 1 ). This supports the hypothesis of the study. Moreover, 57% ( M= 2.0, SD= 1.36) of all the graduate participants agree, "When I eat out, I tend to eat at drive-thru or fast food places." However, none of the non-graduate participants agreed with this statement ( M =2.1, SD = .6 ). In addition, students tend to eat out more especially when students are stressed out. Most of the graduate students (85.7%) are more likely to eat out than to make homemade food when they are stressed out ( M= 4.0, SD= .93) (see chart 3). On the other hand, 37.5% ( M= 2.8, SD=1.09) of all the non-graduate participants agree the following statement, “When I am stressed out, I am more likely to eat out than to make homemade food.” The non-graduate participants reported to eat out on an average of 4.12 times a week while the graduate participants reported eating out 4.71 times per week. Overall, the study shows that all the graduate participants (100%) are not satisfied with their current eating habits whereas 37.5% of all the non-graduate participants are satisfied with their eating habits (see chart 3). The second part of this study, which focused on attitudes about home-cooked and fast-food meals, showed that 71% of the graduate participants agree that they prefer the convenience of eating out instead of making a home cooked meal ( M =3.4, SD = .09) (see table 1). On the other hand, only 12.5% of the non-graduates agreed with this statement ( M =2.8, SD =1.09). When focusing on home-cooked meals, 87.5% of non-graduate students agreed that they enjoyed making them ( M=3.9, SD=0 .78) while only 42.9% of graduate students agreed with this ( M=2.9, SD1.12). The results for the preference of home-cooked meals over fast-food meals showed that 57% of graduate students agreed that they preferred home-cooked meals ( M= 3.6, SD= .49) while 75% of non-graduate students agreed ( M=4.1, SD= 1.05). The results for the questions that focused on how busy schedules affect food choices of the participants is as follows. One-hundred percent of the graduate participants agree that their busy schedules make eating out more convenient whereas only 50% of non-graduates participants agree with it this statement ( M=3.1, SD= 1.27) (see chart 3) Moreover, most of the participants (85.8% graduate students and 100% non-graduate students) agree that if they had more time, they would make healthier food choices (see chart 3). In addition, more graduate student’s participants (85.7%) are likely to eat out when they are stressed out compared to non-graduate student’s participants (37.5%). However, when the participants are out, is it easier for them to pick up food to go than to make food at home (100% for graduate [participants and 75% non-graduate participants). Results for “If I weren't so busy, I would rather make a home cooked meal than eat out,” showed that 50% of non-graduate students agreed with this ( M=3.6, SD= .99) while 85.7% of graduate students agreed with this ( M=3.9, SD= .83).

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Chart #1 On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times. Graduate Students

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Chart #2 On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times. Non-Graduate Students

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Chart #3

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Table #1 M SD On an average week, I eat out at a restaurant or fast food place at least 5 times 3.7 (Graduate Students) 3.3 (Non-graduate Students) 1.16 (Graduate Students) 1.20 (Non-graduate Students) I prefer the convenience of eating out instead of making a home cooked meal 3.4 (Graduate Students) 2.8 (Non-graduate Students) 0.90 (Graduate Students) 1.09 (Non-graduate Student)

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Discussion The results from the survey supported our hypothesis of whether graduate students eat out more often than non-graduate students. As seen from the results, graduate students agreed to eating out at a restaurant or fast food place more than non-graduate students. Non-graduate students ate more home-cooked meals on a weekly basis than graduate students. These results support the idea that there is a difference between the amount of times graduate and non-graduate students choose to eat out for their meals. There can be many reasons for this difference in eating habits. One of these differences can be the participants attitudes towards fast-food and home-cooked meals. The study also showed that graduate students attitudes of eating out were more positive than that of non-graduate students who rather have a home-cooked meal. Thus, graduate students are more likely to eat out because they are more open to it and seem to prefer it more. Non-graduate students also seem to enjoy making food at home more than graduate students, which can affect food choices. In addition, the majority of participants viewed eating out as less stressful than making home-cooked meals. Thus, convenience and attitude towards how food is obtained also seems to play a role in how the participants choose to eat. Lastly, the results showed that most of the participants agreed that their busy schedule made eating out more convenient which shows that this is a factor in participant’s eating habits. Non-graduates eat out less when stressed compared to graduate students. Thus, stress seems like a factor that causes graduates to prefer eating out more often. Also, when comparing both groups, the results suggest that graduate students are more likely to eat out when on the road then non-graduate students. Since most graduate students attend classes, study-groups, and internships outside of their home, this may make them more vulnerable to eating fast-food and making unhealthy food choices. Overall, graduate students are not satisfied with their current eating habits compared to non-graduates. Therefore, the results have proved our hypothesis that graduate students tend to eat out more often than non-graduate students. Adequacy of study The study was pretty adequate. The survey questions had both qualitative and quantitative questions. We had both graduate and non-graduate students participants. We also had participants from both genders, so that there were no biases between genders. The study also surveyed people’s eating habits and attitudes towards nutrition as well. Therefore, not only did we find out that people are not satisfied with their current eating habits, we also proved our hypothesis. Generalizability The participants were chosen from Azusa Pacific University and the non-graduate participants were a convenience sample of the researcher’s friends and family. Thus, the results are not representative of the general population because it was not a random sample. The results also cannot be generalized outside of the participants used because the population consisted of a homogenous group of people of similar cultural backgrounds and age group. The majority of the graduate students who participated in this study were also of the same Graduate Psychology program at the University which may have created biased results as compared to the general graduate population. .

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Discussion Relevance of Data The questions on the survey were specific and quantifiable. They focused on three aspects of the study which all correlated with the hypothesis. This data is important in considering the general topic of health, obesity and stress in graduate school students. The comparison between graduate and non-graduate students can reveal the potential health risks between the two groups. Time constraints and attitudes towards the different types of foods seem to be factors in the habits between the eating habits of graduate students and the rest of the general population. Future Research Future research could focus on the attitudes towards nutrition between graduate students and non-graduate students. It seems like, from our survey, that both graduate and non-graduate students are not satisfied with their current eating habits and would like to improve. Also, future research could study could focus on the effect stress has on eating habits. Furthermore, future studies could collect data from a generalized random sample with people from different ethnicities and from various universities

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References Berry, T.R., Jackson, R.A., & Kennedy, M.D. (2009). The relationship between lifestyle and campus eating behaviours in male and female university students. College Student Journal. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCR/is_3_43/ai_n35569160/ Chandon, P. & Wansink, B. (2006). Meal size, not body size, explains errors in estimating the calorie content of meals. Annals of Internal Medicine, 145 (5), 326-W84. http://0-web.ebscohost.com.patris.apu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?hid=11&sid=63ee6ab9-8a9e-43c0-8588-c898b8dfc799%40sessionmgr4&vid=1 Clark, Charles S. Fast-Food Shake-up : Beleaguered chains improve nutrition, environmental impact and job quality. http://rpproxy.iii.com:9797/MuseSessionID=32be474d32309e3541f0beefbd9dfe1/MuseHost=library.cqpress.com/MusePath/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre1991110800&type=hitlist&num=0 Collins, M. A qualitative exploration of food preparation among college students. www.uvm.edu/~honcoll/.../ Collins _ Mimosa %20S10%20(1%20of%202).pdf Ernersson, A., Nystrom, F. H., & Lindström, T. (2010) Long-term increase of fat mass after a four week intervention with fast food based hyperalimentation and limitation of physical activity. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7 , 68-76. http://0-web.ebscohost.com.patris.apu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?hid=11&sid=90318162-abbd-48dc-aa71-1a108f2a4ae2%40sessionmgr4&vid=1 Greenblatt, Alan (2003). Obesity Epidemic: Can Americans Change Their Self-Destructive Habits? The CQ Researcher , 13 , (4) , 73-104. http://rpproxy.iii.com:9797/MuseSessionID=2b75a309a2812b8a15a19832f923a/MuseHost=library.cqpress.com/MusePath/cqresearcher/document.php?id=cqresrre2003013100&type=hitlist&num=4 HFG Consulting. College students and eating out . http://hfgconsulting.com/docs/eatingout.pdf Horton, Jillian (2009). How bad eating habits lead to obesity in college students. Bright Hub, Diet and Nutrition. http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/29318.aspx

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References Jonsson, Patrik, (2006). Is eating out cheaper than cooking? The Christian Science Monitor. http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/IsEatingOutCheaperThanCooking.aspx Musingo, M.N. and L. Wang, (2009). Analysis of eating habits according to socio-demographic characteristics of college s tudents. Pak. J. Nutr., 8: 1575-1580. http://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=pjn.2009.1575.1580 Prakash, M. S., & Stuchul, D. L. (2003). Fast food and environmental awareness. Encounter, 16 (4), 49-54. http://www.lib.iup.edu/cfr/2006/reviews/Encounter_review.pdf Stuart, B. & Stuart, K. (1995). Cuttin' college costs. Campus Life, 54 (5) , 36. http://0-web.ebscohost.com.patris.apu.edu/ehost/detail?hid=11&sid=5cc00757-730b-4646-88b2-78b2c725e608%40sessionmgr13&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=9601293668