Kenđel Jovanović Gordana, Krešić Greta, Dujmić Elena, Pavičić Žeželj Sandra
Department of Health Ecology, Teaching Institute of Public Health of Primorsko-Goranska County, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Department of Health Ecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia.
Nutrients. 2025 May 29;17(11):1850. doi: 10.3390/nu17111850.
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: University students are at a critical life stage in terms of establishing lifelong dietary habits, yet little is known about the sustainability of their diets, especially in Croatia. This study aimed to assess the sustainability and environmental impacts of university students' dietary patterns at the University of Rijeka using the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) and to explore the associations with demographic, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental variables.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to March 2024 among 224 students (54% male, mean age 22.7 ± 2.2 years). Data collection included sociodemographic information, physical activity, and dietary intake (semi-quantitative FFQ). Diet quality was assessed using the PHDI, Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), and Dietary Inflammatory Index. Environmental impact indicators (carbon, water, and ecological footprints) were calculated using energy-adjusted intake data and standardized life cycle assessment data.
Students exhibited moderate adherence to the Planetary Health Diet (mean PHDI: 55.5). Higher PHDI scores were significantly associated with vigorous physical activity, higher MDS, and anti-inflammatory dietary patterns (all < 0.001). Despite male students showing slightly higher PHDI scores, their diets had significantly greater environmental impacts. A one-point increase in the PHDI correlated with smaller environmental footprints (carbon: β = -7.94; water: β = -13.88; ecological: β = -3.15; all < 0.001), with a significant decrease observed particularly in the lowest- and highest-adherence groups, while no consistent or significant effects were found in the intermediate groups. The nutrient and food group analysis supported the health-promoting profile of diets aligned with the PHDI.
This study highlights the moderate sustainability of students' diets, with significant associations between diet quality and environmental impacts. University settings present key opportunities for the promotion of sustainable, health-oriented eating behaviors among young adults.
背景/目的：就养成终身饮食习惯而言，大学生正处于人生的关键阶段，但人们对他们饮食的可持续性了解甚少，尤其是在克罗地亚。本研究旨在使用行星健康饮食指数（PHDI）评估里耶卡大学学生饮食模式的可持续性和环境影响，并探讨其与人口统计学、生活方式、营养和环境变量之间的关联。
于2023年10月至2024年3月对224名学生（54%为男性，平均年龄22.7±2.2岁）进行了一项横断面研究。数据收集包括社会人口统计学信息、身体活动和饮食摄入量（半定量食物频率问卷）。使用PHDI、地中海饮食评分（MDS）和饮食炎症指数评估饮食质量。利用能量调整后的摄入量数据和标准化的生命周期评估数据计算环境影响指标（碳、水和生态足迹）。
学生对行星健康饮食的依从性中等（平均PHDI：55.5）。较高的PHDI得分与剧烈身体活动、较高的MDS和抗炎饮食模式显著相关（均P<0.001）。尽管男学生的PHDI得分略高，但他们的饮食对环境的影响显著更大。PHDI得分每增加一分，环境足迹就会变小（碳：β=-7.94；水：β=-13.88；生态：β=-3.15；均P<0.001），在依从性最低和最高的组中观察到显著下降，而在中间组中未发现一致或显著的影响。营养素和食物组分析支持了与PHDI一致的饮食对健康的促进作用。
本研究强调了学生饮食的中等可持续性，饮食质量与环境影响之间存在显著关联。大学环境为促进年轻人可持续的、注重健康的饮食行为提供了关键机会。
