Abstract
Objectives
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder related to a complicated interplay between genetics, obesity, and modifiable lifestyle factors. This study aimed to identify the major modifiable risk factors for developing overweight, obesity, and Type 2 DM (T2DM) among Jordanian college students.
Methods
A self-administered questionnaire was given to students at two large universities in Jordan, in order to collect data about the sociodemographic background, physical activity (PA), screen use, and smoking behavior. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the intake of fruits, vegetables, fast food, sweets, and salted snacks. A chi-square test was used to identify the differences between males and females; statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
The final sample consisted of 327 males and 433 females, and 54.0% of them were ≤20 years old. Among these students, 23.6% were overweight and 12.8% were obese, with more males being overweight (26.3% vs. 21.5%) and obese (16.4% vs. 10.0%) (P = 0.004). Most students failed to meet PA (69.7%) and screen use (87.0%) recommendations, with more females failing to meet PA recommendations (P < 0.001). The sample included 38.6% smokers, with a higher prevalence in males (P < 0.001). Moreover, most students were below the recommended intake of fruits (81.2%) and vegetables (94.7%); more females were below the recommendation for fruit intake (P < 0.001). Fast food intake one or more times a day was seen in 85.8% of students, and 45.8% consumed sweets 1–3 times a week. About 42% of respondents reported salted snack intake of 1–3 times a week, while 40.7% reported intake at less than once per week. Males had more frequent intake of fast food (P = 0.002), sweets (P < 0.001), and salted snacks (P = 0.057).
Conclusions
There was a considerable prevalence of obesity, overweight, and risky behaviors among Jordanian college students that may increase their future risk of developing T2DM. Future intervention is needed to reduce these behaviors, which could be the first step in preventing diabetes among this young population.
Funding Sources
Deanship of Scientific Research at Jordan University of Science and Technology.