Dietary Habits and Academic Performance Among Third Year Nursing Students in The University of Bohol, Tagbilaran City

Abstract

This study investigated the correlation between the eating habits of third-year nursing students and their academic performance at the University of Bohol, Tagbilaran City. It specifically looked into the correlation between students' dietary habits and their grade point averages (GPAs). A descriptive-correlational quantitative research design was employed. The Pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI), Non-Healthy Diet Index (nHDI), and Composite Diet Quality Index (DQI) were developed using a modified KomPAN questionnaire, a validated instrument for monitoring dietary changes. The respondents' midterm GPA records were used to evaluate academic success. A total of 190 students were randomly chosen by stratified random sampling and completed the survey. While these data offer insight into this specific cohort, caution is warranted when generalizing to other student populations or academic disciplines. Descriptive data indicated that the majority of respondents (92.1%) exhibited low-intensity mixed eating behaviors, indicating neither notably beneficial nor harmful dietary practices. Academic performance was predominantly strong, with 95.3% of students achieving GPAs between 1.6 and 2.5. Inferential statistical analysis revealed no significant correlation between the dietary habit index and academic achievement (p = 0.517), indicating that food quality alone did not substantially predict GPA in this very homogeneous student population. The findings complement larger evidence that academic performance is complicated and may be more strongly influenced by lifestyle and contextual variables, such as stress, sleep quality, and the learning environment.