Food Consumption Patterns of University Students in Indonesia during the Transition Period in the New Normal Era

Abstract

AIM: This study aimed to analyze the description of Indonesian undergraduate students’ food consumption patterns during the COVID-19 period.

METHODS: The design used was cross-sectional with random sampling technique. The correlation test was Chi-Square and analyzed using univariate. The respondents involved were 17–24 years old with 5924 persons; active undergraduate students. Questionnaires were distributed using Google form.

RESULTS: The results indicated a relationship between gender and major, education level, social status, and funds source (p = < 0.001). However, sex and residence did not correlate (p = 0.16). The same was revealed between gender with consumption patterns, carbohydrates, animal protein, vegetable protein, vegetables, fruit, snacks, water, and supplements.

CONCLUSION: Overall, during the new normal period of pandemic COVID-19 era, student food consumption patterns could be categorized as healthier lifestyle changes. Thus, the undergraduate students are suggested to maintain a diverse and balanced diet to boost their immunity optimally.