Life of a vegetarian college student: Health, lifestyle, and environmental perceptions. Issue 1 (14th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olfert, Melissa D.; Barr, Makenzie L.; Mathews, Anne E.; Horacek, Tanya M.; Riggsbee, Kristin; Zhou, Wenjun; Colby, Sarah E.
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 239
• Publication Date: 2022-02-14
• Subjects: Behavior -- college -- perceptions -- vegetarian; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1740231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

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.