Melissa D Olfert1, Makenzie L Barr1, Anne E Mathews2, Tanya M Horacek3, Kristin Riggsbee4, Wenjun Zhou4, Sarah E Colby4. 1. Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. 2. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 3. Falk College, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA. 4. College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
Abstract
Objective To examine health behavior and environmental perception differences among vegetarian and nonvegetarian students. Participants: First-year university students (n = 1078) from eight United States universities. Methods: Data were obtained from base 2015 and followup 2016 assessments. Vegetarians and nonvegetarians were compared for anthropometrics, lifestyle behaviors, and campus environmental perceptions (CEPS). Results: Vegetarians had smaller waist circumference, lower systolic blood pressure, higher fruit and vegetable consumption, lower percentage of energy obtained from fat, and higher perceived stress. Vegetarians expressed a lower rating of perceptions of health policies on campus. Conclusion: A clear difference in indicators of physical health does not appear, however, vegetarian students show positive dietary patterns which can promote positive health outcomes. Further, vegetarians had lower perceptions of health policies on campus. Results can be used by administrators to ensure policies are in place to support health of students as currently vegetarian students see limitations in the environmental health policies.
Objective To examine health behavior and environmental perception differences among vegetarian and nonvegetarian students. Participants: First-year university students (n = 1078) from eight United States universities. Methods: Data were obtained from base 2015 and followup 2016 assessments. Vegetarians and nonvegetarians were compared for anthropometrics, lifestyle behaviors, and campus environmental perceptions (CEPS). Results: Vegetarians had smaller waist circumference, lower systolic blood pressure, higher fruit and vegetable consumption, lower percentage of energy obtained from fat, and higher perceived stress. Vegetarians expressed a lower rating of perceptions of health policies on campus. Conclusion: A clear difference in indicators of physical health does not appear, however, vegetarian students show positive dietary patterns which can promote positive health outcomes. Further, vegetarians had lower perceptions of health policies on campus. Results can be used by administrators to ensure policies are in place to support health of students as currently vegetarian students see limitations in the environmental health policies.
Authors: Morgan F Sowers; Sarah Colby; Geoffrey W Greene; Mackenzie Pickett; Lisa Franzen-Castle; Melissa D Olfert; Karla Shelnutt; Onikia Brown; Tanya M Horacek; Tandalayo Kidd; Kendra K Kattelmann; Adrienne A White; Wenjun Zhou; Kristin Riggsbee; Wangcheng Yan; Carol Byrd-Bredbenner Journal: Am J Health Behav Date: 2017-11-01
Authors: Melissa J Vilaro; Sarah E Colby; Kristin Riggsbee; Wenjun Zhou; Carol Byrd-Bredbenner; Melissa D Olfert; Tracey E Barnett; Tanya Horacek; Morgan Sowers; Anne E Mathews Journal: Nutrients Date: 2018-09-13 Impact factor: 5.717