| Diet and nutrition are modifiable disease risk factors, and, over the past decade, the number of individuals who seek nutrition information has steadily increased. Few college students value nutrition, meet nutrient requirements, and seek nutrition information of varying credibility. A mixed method design, utilizing focus groups and a survey tool, assessed the knowledge and nutrition information seeking behaviors of college students (n=119). College students in this sample seek nutrition information and preferred accessible sources, such as the Internet, magazines, parents, and school. Preferred sources of information varied by age group and ethnicity. Registered Dietitians and other health-care professionals were perceived as credible sources of nutrition information but were paired with low accessibility rates. Future nutrition interventions should target college students by using Registered Dietitians in easily accessible venues like social media, television, and on campus and should include a component for family members to participate in educational nutrition activities. |
