Nutritional Literacy and Its Association with Dietary and Lifestyle Habits Among King Khalid University Students, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity among university students are common across the world, predisposing them to obesity and its comorbidities. Nutritional literacy (NL), which plays an important role in the formation of these behaviors, is unexplored. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship of nutritional literacy with dietary and lifestyle practices among university students in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on 385 students of King Khalid University (KKU) by convenient sampling. Information was collected between March and May 2024 using an online research form, which includes socio-demographics, the Nutrition Literacy Self-Assessment Short Form (NL-SF12), and the Dietary and Lifestyle Habits Questionnaire (DLHQ). Descriptive statistics were calculated, and Pearson's correlation and multiple regression models were applied, at significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Highest levels of NL were found in the knowledge (M = 4.31, SD = 0.74) and understanding sections (M = 4.08, SD = 0.70), compared to using skills (M = 3.56, SD = 0.96). The average (M) meal pattern was irregular, M = 2.41, SD = 0.92, fruits and vegetable consumption was moderate (sweets intake and fast food intake frequent (soft drink intake also typical of the sample quantity being: M = 2.23, SD = 0.77). Lifestyle behaviors included high screen time, eating during sedentary periods, and moderate sports participation. NL was significantly correlated with dietary habits (r = 0.624, p = 0.005), but less so with lifestyle habits (r = 0.524, p = 0.063). Positive predictors included education, income, sleep, and age; negative predictors were smoking, chronic illness, and higher BMI. Conclusion: The KKU students had satisfactory nutritional literacy, but weak application of their theoretical knowledge in terms of poor dietary and lifestyle practices. The present study is a valuable addition to the literature through focusing on actual application of nutritional literacy factors among university students in the Saudi context. Designed interventions that target practical food skills, mindful eating/social dining and regular physical activity are necessary to assist consumers in making healthy decisions and curtail the long-term burden of NCDs. These results provide pragmatic direction for universities and public health policymakers to develop specific, evidence-based programs that meet the needs of students living these realities.