University students’ sustainable and healthy eating behaviors, along with their environmental literacy: A cross-sectional study

Authors : Arda Borlu, Hasan Durmuş, Neslihan Öner

Pages : 107-114

Doi:10.61845/agrimedical.1653683

View : 186 | Download : 720

Publication Date : 2025-10-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This analytical study aimed to assess the sustainable and healthy eating (SHE) behaviors and the level of environmental literacy among first-year university students. Materials and Methods: The study included 959 students. Data was collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire, the SHE behaviors scale, and the Environmental Literacy for Adults (ELSA) scale. Socio-demographic characteristics were analyzed using Student\\\'s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and LSD post-hoc tests. The relationship between SHE behaviors and ELSA scores was evaluated using Pearson correlation. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Only 35.8% of students reported being familiar with sustainable nutrition, and just 29.7% could accurately define it. Female students scored higher than male students on both the Sustainable and Healthy Eating (SHE) behaviors scale and the Environmental Literacy for Adults (ELSA) scale. Additionally, students who lived with their families, lived in rural areas, followed a healthy diet, and prepared their own food had higher SHE scores. Students who knew the term \\\"sustainable nutrition\\\" scored significantly higher on SHE behaviors. Believers in and those concerned about climate change also had higher SHE scores. A positive and significant correlation was observed between SHE behaviors and ELSA scores. Conclusion: Promoting education on sustainable and healthy eating among university students supports both personal and environmental health, contributing to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Keywords : Çevre Okuryazarlığı, Öğrenciler, Sürdürülebilirlik, Sürdürülebilir ve sağlıklı beslenme, Üniversiteler

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL