Overview of Student Characteristics and Nutritional Status at Universitas Negeri Medan

Abstract

Students' health and nutritional status are important aspects that affect their quality of life and academic performance. At Universitas Negeri Medan, there are diverse student characteristics that reflect different social, economic and cultural backgrounds. An in-depth understanding of college students' characteristics and nutritional status is important to design appropriate interventions to improve their health and well-being. This study aims to describe students' characteristics and nutritional status at Universitas Negeri Medan. This study used a descriptive qualitative method with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique used stratified random sampling, with a total sample of 78 respondents selected based on certain criteria relevant to the research objectives. The research instruments were questionnaires, weight scales and microtoice. The questionnaire was used to find out data on the characteristics of respondents. Body weight scales and microtoice were used to determine the nutritional status of students. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and nutritional status measurements, including parameters such as Body Mass Index (BMI). The characteristics of the respondents showed that 69.2% of respondents were female with 100% of respondents in the late adolescent age category, and 52.6% of respondents were in the final semester of college. There are still many respondents (47.5%) who have abnormal nutritional status, which reflects the imbalance between nutritional intake and body needs. This study showed variations in individual characteristics and nutritional status, indicating the need for specific interventions to improve healthy nutrition awareness and behaviours among university students.