“FOOD QUALITY AND STUDENTS' PHYSICAL FITNESS”


VALENZUELA, Merly N. Unpublished Masteral Thesis, University of Nueva Caceres , 2002.

Keywords: Factors Related to Physical Fitness

The study was conducted primarily to determine the relationship of food quality with the students' physical fitness at the Naga View Adventist College , A/Y 2001-2002. Answers to the following questions were sought: 1) What is the quality food composition and food service provided to the students? 2) What is the level of students' physical fitness in their co-curricular activities? 3) Is food quality significally related to the students' physical fitness? 4) What institutional factors are perceived to influence food quality and students' physical fitness?

Fifty 75% students-boarders who were at the Naga View College for more than a year comprised the sample respondents. A Three – month menu guide prepared and submitted by the Cafeteria Matron for the approval of the Administration served as the guide in the determination of food composition. A questionnaire was used to determine food service, level of participation in physical fitness activities, and perceived institutional factors influencing food quality and students' physical fitness.

Findings on food composition showed that among the three major groups of nutrients, carbohydrates comprised the main bulk of the meal during breakfast, lunch and supper and the highest was served during lunchtime. Fat intake was found relatively lower and compared with the recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Filipinos aged 15 to 21 years old, results showed that there were excesses in the intake of carbohydrates and proteins and a deficit of fat rich foods. Along food service, quality and food preparation were given high ratings while food combination was only given a fair rating.

Conclusions: Based on statistical analysis, results showed a significant correlation between food quality and the level of participation of students in physical education, academic and spiritual related activities. Students' participation was high on energy expending activities for psychomotor development and low on activities where special talents and skills are needed. On factors perceived influencing quality and students' physical fitness, the students recognized the importance of the integration of crop production in the curricular programs of the college as well as the financial assistance given to students.