Socio-Demographic Factors and Food Preferences of International Students in Universiti Putra Malaysia

Abstract

While the number of international students has been increasing in Malaysia, understanding their needs and emphasizing their food-related- issues became more significant. This study aimed to determine the relationship, differences and contributions between socio-demographic factors and food preferences of international students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. About 619 respondents participated this cross-sectional study. International students were recruited through their email addresses. Firstly, participants were asked about their socio-demographic factors. Then, their food preferences were assessed with food preference questionnaire. About 77 food items were selected to fall into six food group categories; animal (14), starch (12), dairy (eight), fruit (15), snack (eight), and vegetable (20). Participants were asked to rate 77 food items on a Likert scale, ranging from dislike a lot (1 point) to like a lot (5 points). Pearson's and Spearman correlation, Independent t-test, Kruskal Wallis and multiple linear regression were conducted. The participants were mainly between 18 to 25 years old (37.2%) and single (67%). The majority was males (60.7%). More than half (57%) of the respondents had monthly income equal to or less than RM 2000 (478 USD). As for education level; 38% of the respondents were doing PhD while 33.6% were undergraduate students. About 37.2% were Middle Eastern followed by Asians (33.8%). Age was found to be significantly correlated with animal (r = −0.105, p = 0.010), starch (r = −0.115, p = 0.005) and snack-related (r = −0.155, p < 0.001) food groups. Likewise, education level was found to be negatively correlated with food preferences including animal (r = −0.142, p < 0.001), starch-related foods (r = −0.125, p = 0.002) and vegetable (r = −0.140, p = 0.001). There was a significant difference between males and females (t = −3.742, p < 0.001) in terms of vegetable preferences. Gender, education level, household composition and age were significant contributors to food preferences. Fruits (apples and grapes) were the most liked food group among all six food categories. On the other hand, dairy foods were the least preferred one. Age, gender and education level were important demographic factors towards food preferences among international students in Universiti Putra Malaysia. None.