The Relationship between Fast Food Consumption and Serum Folic Acid Level in Nursing Students of Islamic Azad University, Medical Sciences Branch of Tehran

Nursing students are consuming fast foods despite studying medical science. Nursing students are susceptible to significant micronutrients such as folic acid (folate) due to the high volume of training and theoretical courses. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between fast food intake and serum folic acid level in nursing undergraduate students of Islamic Azad University, Medical Sciences Tehran Branch.

The present study was a descriptive correlational study performed that was performed on 100 undergraduate nursing students of Islamic Azad University who were selected through simple sampling method. Data were collected through demographic questionnaire, a researcher-made questionnaire on fast food consumption and eating habits and blood test. Data were analyzed with SPSS-20 software and descriptive statistics and independent t-test and one-way ANOVA.

The results showed that 56% of the subjects were female and 44% male. There was a significant negative relationship between fast food intake (except chicken nuggets, fish and shrimp) and serum folic acid level (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between dietary habits of fast food and serum folic acid level (p=0.57).

The results of the present study showed a low level of serum folic acid and a significant intake of fast foods in nursing students. It is necessary to increase the level of knowledge and attitude towards ready meals, use of folic acid supplements as a result of serum folate test and doctor's order, and reduce the consumption of ready meals in nursing students.