"Nutritional Literacy Gap": Investigating the Correlation Between Macronutrient Intake and Nutritional Status in First-Year Students

Nashatra Helia Felixha Devy; Desty Muzarofatus Sholikhah; Noor Rohmah Mayasari; Ika Nurmaya

doi:10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.795

Authors

Nasha Universitas Negeri Surabaya Author
Desty Universitas Negeri Surabaya Author
Rohmah Universitas Negeri Surabaya Author
Ika Nurmaya Universitas Negeri Surabaya Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7315-8752

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.795

Abstract

This quantitative study aimed to investigate the correlation between nutritional literacy, macronutrient intake encompassing energy, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and the nutritional status of first-year undergraduate students in the Nutrition Study Program at the State University of Surabaya. First-year students represent a vulnerable demographic prone to nutritional challenges due to significant lifestyle transitions and irregular dietary patterns. In this context, nutritional literacy serves as a pivotal determinant influencing daily food selection and health outcomes. Employing a cross-sectional design, the research was conducted between September and October 2025, involving 83 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data collection integrated anthropometric measurements for body weight and height, validated nutritional literacy questionnaires, and 2x24-hour food recalls to capture detailed dietary intake. Statistical analysis was performed using the Spearman’s rho correlation test to identify significant relationships between variables. The findings revealed that 57.8% of students possessed adequate nutritional literacy. However, alarming deficiencies were observed in dietary habits: 100% of respondents exhibited inadequate energy and carbohydrate intake, while the majority also showed insufficient protein (81.9%) and fat (78.3%) consumption. Despite these gaps, 51.8% of the students maintained a normal nutritional status. The analysis concluded that no significant correlation existed between nutritional status and nutritional literacy (p=0.869), energy intake (p=0.231), protein (p=0.781), or fat (p=0.771). Conversely, a significant correlation was identified between carbohydrate intake and nutritional status (p=0.040; r=-0.226). These results underscore that theoretical literacy does not inherently guarantee optimal dietary fulfillment. Consequently, there is an urgent need to enhance students' awareness and practical application of nutritional literacy in daily food selection. This study highlights the necessity for targeted educational interventions to bridge the gap between nutritional knowledge and actual dietary behavior among university students.

Author Biographies

Nasha, Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Nasha is a student majoring in Nutrition at the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences (FIKK) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (State University of Surabaya )
Desty , Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Desty is a lecturer and researcher in the Bachelor of Nutrition Department at the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences (FIKK) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya.
Rohmah , Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Rohmah is a lecturer and researcher in the Bachelor of Nutrition Department at the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences (FIKK) at Universitas Negeri Surabaya.
Ika Nurmaya, Universitas Negeri Surabaya

Ika Nurmaya is a lecturer and researcher who works at the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Surabaya State University (UNESA)

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