Knowledge of General Nutrition among Kuala Lumpur Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic

Mah, Zoeva (2022) Knowledge of General Nutrition among Kuala Lumpur Youth during COVID-19 Pandemic. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, several aspects including the physical activity levels, diet quality, and quality of life were negatively affected. Nutritional knowledge is known as a modifiable factor affecting dietary behaviors which in turn affect overall health. Limited studies have looked into the nutritional knowledge among young adults, particularly in Malaysia, during the pandemic. Hence this current study aimed to extract the baseline knowledge level related to general nutrition among the general youth population resident in Kuala Lumpur (KL) during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This study utilized a self-administrated questionnaire that included demographic variables and items about general nutrition knowledge on youths living in KL. A total of 205 general public participants, aged 15 to 30 years old, with no nutritional certifications, were recruited. SPSS was utilized for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses. Results: This study revealed that the general nutrition knowledge level among participants was considered as moderate level. The general nutritional knowledge was found higher in females compared to male participants and was not associated with participants’ BMI value (p>0.05) and education level (p>0.05), but had relation to monthly household income (p<0.05). Where the level of general nutrition knowledge does not affect an individual’s BMI value, and does not affect by the individual’s education level. However, the level of general nutrition knowledge were found associated with monthly household income. Conclusion: This study provided prospective evidence of the current status of general nutritional knowledge among KL Chinese youths, aged between 15-30 years old. Intervention programs to improve and emphasize the importance of nutrition in the community in Malaysia are recommended to better prepare the population for future pandemics, as well as to concur the rise of diet-related diseases