Comparisons of Accuracy of Nutrition Knowledge of College Students With and Without Risk Factors for Type II Diabetes

Type II diabetes is a major health problem in the United States. Untreated type II diabetes may lead to cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, degenerative eye health, blindness, or other catastrophic complications including death. Awareness, prevention, and intervention based programs for those at-risk for type II diabetes, those currently diagnosed, and the general public are essential to lowering the incidence of type II diabetes in the United States. This study was developed to measure accuracy of nutrition knowledge of college students without known risk factors compared to those with risk factors for type II diabetes. No significant differences were found in accuracy of nutrition knowledge between students with risk factors and those with no risk factors for type II diabetes. The findings of this study are of importance in providing awareness of nutrition knowledge deficit for college students at-risk for type II diabetes. Scientia et Humanitas 114 Spring 2011 Diabetes is an increasing problem in the United States and affects an estimated 23.6 million Americans (1). Medical costs, health-care interventions, and incidences of morbidity related to diabetes are costly in terms of both economics and lives damaged by this chronic disease. Nutrition knowledge of the general public, including the current generation of college students, must include accurate information in relation to type II diabetes prevention through nutrition, as well as other lifestyle changes. Evidenced-based information focused on prevention of this chronic disease is slowly being disseminated in society through education in businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities. News headlines have highlighted large corporations like insurance giant Geico, software magnate Microsoft, and smaller companies that have taken steps toward wellness initiatives and incentives. Programs such as implementing community nutrition groups and health workshops have been started through partnerships on local, state, and international levels. It has become increasingly evident that the accuracy of nutrition knowledge as related to chronic diseases and obesity has been inadequate, as evidenced in nutrient deficient dietary habits and prevalence of chronic disease. In the United States obesity rates have increased drastically over the past 2 decades (2, 3); 64% of adults aged ≥ 20 years old were classified as overweight and 30% were classified as obese from 1999-2000. Meta-analysis for 68,556 US adults in the National Health Interview Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the highest obesity rates were linked with the lowest incomes and educational levels (4). Decreased morbidity and mortality may be attainable when positive nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits are used throughout the lifespan (5, 6). This study was designed to assess accuracy of nutrition knowledge in college students who, as young adults, are in charge of their dietary intake. Type II diabetes may develop as result of genetic predispositions, and can also be attributed to excess weight, dietary habits, other behavioral and environmental factors; Type II diabetes can be present at any age (7, 8, 9). There is no cure for diabetes, however lifestyle management has been found to ameliorate this disease. Treatment and prevention of Type II diabetes requires self-management of diet and exercise and controlled glucose levels. According to a diabetes prevention trial, diet and lifestyle changes can both prevent and treat Type II diabetes more successfully than prescription medication or prophylactic drug therapy (such as metformin) (10). Measures of nutrition knowledge level and areas to intervene in terms of prevention in college students have not been extensively studied. A review of the literature reveals that relationships among 1) knowledge of risk, 2) knowledge of preventative behaviors, and 3) implementation of appropriate dietary and exercise behavior modifications have yet to be studied in college students in the United States who are at risk for type II diabetes. Prevention and intervention programs among Canadian adults and school-age children have been found to prevent and treat the onset of type II diabetes (11, 12, 13, and 14). In the United States we have not measured the accuracy of nutrition knowledge among college students. It is the intention that this study can serve as an indication of possible