A Comparison of the Actual Conditions and Attitudes of Male University Students toward Meals by Type of Residence

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to clarify the actual situation and awareness of dietary habits of male university students and to examine dietary suggestions for maintaining and promoting health. In December 2019, 124 male university students (20.0 ± 0.7 years old) were compared by residential type in December 2019. The frequency of breakfast intake was significantly lower in the single household group (60 persons) than in the two-or-more-person household group (64 persons) (p = 0.046). The single household group used “canned food” significantly more than the two-or-more-person household group (p = 0.029). The single household group was willing to spend 200 yen for breakfast, 500 yen for lunch, and 750 yen for dinner. Meal preparation time was 10 minutes for breakfast, 20 minutes for lunch, and 30 minutes for dinner, with no significant difference by type of residence. In proposing meals to male university students in single households, it is important to consider the forms and amounts of foods that are readily available and the time required to prepare meals.