ArticleBMC public health2026
The association between healthy eating attitudes and sustainable dietary behaviors among university students: a cross-sectional study.
Article in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundUnsustainable dietary patterns contribute substantially to climate change, biodiversity loss, and the growing global burden of non-communicable diseases. University years represent a critical transitional period during which lifelong eating behaviors are shaped. Understanding whether positive attitudes toward healthy eating are associated with sustainable dietary behaviors may inform integrated public health strategies targeting both health and environmental outcomes. This study examined the relationship between healthy eating attitudes and sustainable nutrition behaviors among Turkish university students and explored associated demographic factors.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and October 2024 among 610 university students aged 18-26 years. Data were collected using structured self-report questionnaires. Healthy eating attitudes were assessed using the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN), and sustainable dietary behaviors were measured using the Behaviors Scale Towards Sustainable Nutrition (BSSN). Non-parametric tests, Spearman correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed.
resultsParticipants demonstrated generally high levels of healthy eating attitudes. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was observed between overall healthy eating attitudes and sustainable dietary behaviors (r = 0.182, p < 0.001). SEM indicated that healthy eating attitudes were positively associated with sustainable nutrition behaviors (β = 0.542, p < 0.001). Non-smokers and female students exhibited significantly higher sustainable nutrition behavior scores compared to smokers and male students (p < 0.05).
conclusionsHealthy eating attitudes were positively associated with sustainable dietary behaviors among university students. Although the strength of the association was modest, the findings suggest that health-oriented attitudes may support environmentally responsible dietary practices. Public health interventions that integrate sustainability principles into university-based nutrition education and campus food policies may represent a promising strategy to advance both human and environmental health. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal pathways.
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