Abstract:
To determine the prevalence rate and reasons of vegetarianism
as well as its relationship with selected demographic and lifestyle characteristics
among Jordan University students. A cross-sectional survey was carried
out at Jordan University, Amman, Jordan from March to September 2005.
The survey included 1209 students aged 17-28 years. A multistage stratified
sampling technique was used to recruit the participants from different
majors at Jordan University. A self-administered questionnaire included
information about demographic, lifestyle characteristics and vegetarian
status. The response rate was 80.6%. The overall prevalence of vegetarianism
among university students was 23.9%. Vegetarianism was statistically significant
(p< 0.05) with being female, younger age, lower family monthly income,
nonsmoker, physically active, vitamin-mineral supplement user and normal
BMI. The main important reasons for being vegetarian were weight control
39.2% and economic reasons 35.8%. A significant proportion of Jordan University
students are interested in vegetarianism because of weight control and
economic reasons. Vegetarians are more likely to be: females, younger
age, with lower family monthly income, nonsmokers, physically active,
vitamin-mineral supplement users and with normal BMI.
Ahmad A. Suleiman, Omar K. Alboqai, Sameer Kofahi, Adib A. Aughsteen and Khader El Masri, 2009. Vegetarianism among Jordan University Students. Journal of Biological Sciences, 9: 237-242.
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