Nhu cầu và sở thích về can thiệp hỗ trợ dinh dưỡng và hoạt động thể lực ở sinh viên Việt Nam

Students at universities often experience challenges related to unbalanced diets and sedentary lifestyles, primarily due to intense academic pressures, changes in living environments, and financial constraints. These factors contribute significantly to the adoption of unhealthy eating habits and reduced physical activity. While previous research in Vietnam has focused on assessing the nutritional status and physical activity levels of university students, a notable gap exists in large-scale quantitative studies addressing their specific needs for nutritional and physical activity support, and their preferred channels for such interventions. This study aims to bridge this gap by comprehensively evaluating the actual demand for nutritional and physical activity support among Vietnamese university students, identifying their favored communication channels, and analyzing variations across different demographics. The insights derived are expected to provide a crucial evidence base for developing innovative, digital, integrated, and multi-channel intervention models that are flexible and specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of Vietnamese university students.

Researchers in public health, nutrition, and sports science; policymakers; university administrators; and health education professionals focused on student well-being.

This cross-sectional study investigated the needs and preferences for nutritional and physical activity support among 2,290 university students across Vietnam's three main regions (North, Central, South) in 2023. The methodology involved surveying students from 10 representative universities in 5 key provinces, selected for their large student populations and diverse academic environments. Data was collected through direct interviews covering demographics, support needs, preferred intervention channels like smartphone applications and social media, and willingness to pay. Statistical analysis, primarily using chi-square tests, identified significant differences in needs and preferences across various student groups. Key findings revealed that a substantial 79% of students desired support, with 48.7% specifically seeking combined nutrition and physical activity interventions. Notably, female students and those in the Central and Southern regions exhibited a significantly higher demand for support. The most preferred intervention channels were free support (64.4%), smartphone applications (62.8%), and social media platforms (38.8%). These preferences underscore the appeal of digital solutions due to their potential for personalized content, interactivity, and convenience, aligning with contemporary youth lifestyles. The study also highlighted gender-specific preferences, with females favoring combined support and males prioritizing physical activity. Regional variations in demand and channel preferences further emphasize the necessity of tailored approaches. The results provide valuable insights for designing effective, context-specific digital intervention models. By integrating nutritional and physical activity components and leveraging multi-channel delivery, future programs can better address the diverse needs of Vietnamese university students, promoting healthier lifestyles and enhancing overall well-being. This research offers a robust foundation for policymakers, educational institutions, and public health practitioners to develop targeted strategies that are both impactful and culturally appropriate.