Association Between Diet, Sociodemographic Factors, and Body Composition in Students of a Public University in Ecuador

Angélica María Solís Manzano (), María Victoria Padilla Samaniego, Verónica Patricia Sandoval Tamayo, Edgar Rolando Morales Caluña, Katherine Denisse Suarez Gonzalez, Tannia Valeria Carpio-Arias () and Patricio Ramos-Padilla
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Angélica María Solís Manzano: Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis Research Group, Milagro State University, Milagro 091701, Ecuador
María Victoria Padilla Samaniego: Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis Research Group, Milagro State University, Milagro 091701, Ecuador
Verónica Patricia Sandoval Tamayo: Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis Research Group, Milagro State University, Milagro 091701, Ecuador
Edgar Rolando Morales Caluña: Faculty of Social Services, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro 091050, Ecuador
Katherine Denisse Suarez Gonzalez: Nutrition, Dietetics, Biotechnology and Food Analysis Research Group, Milagro State University, Milagro 091701, Ecuador
Tannia Valeria Carpio-Arias: Research Group on Food and Human Nutrition GIANH, Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Riobamba 060104, Ecuador
Patricio Ramos-Padilla: Research Group on Food and Human Nutrition GIANH, Polytechnic School of Chimborazo, Riobamba 060104, Ecuador

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Body composition is associated with multiple factors. The main objective of this study is to determine the association between diet and sociodemographic factors on the body structure and composition of university students at a public university in Ecuador. This cross-sectional study allowed for the collection of detailed body composition and dietary data from 204 students (41.7% men and 58.3% women, with an average age of 23.3 ± 4.4 years). The study was conducted using validated questionnaires and bioimpedance techniques. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests, complemented by a PCA-Biplot, to examine the relationships between study variables. Statistical analysis revealed that men’s birthplace had a significant impact on several body measurements, such as hip circumference and weight, but no significant differences were observed in body structure and composition based on nutrient intake. Furthermore, larger upper-arm circumference in women was correlated with higher fat intake. The results of the multivariate analysis indicated a differential influence of dietary components on body composition. The study highlights the need for nutritional intervention strategies and educational programs that consider the diversity of students’ backgrounds to promote healthy habits and mitigate the negative effects of eating habits and irregular physical activity patterns on their health and body composition.

Keywords: body composition; sociodemographic factors; diet; university students; Public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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