Banca de DEFESA: GABRIELA MENDONÇA SOARES

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : GABRIELA MENDONÇA SOARES
DATE: 29/04/2025
TIME: 08:00
LOCAL: Videoconferência
TITLE:

NATURE AT THE TABLE: EATING PATTERNS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN URBAN AND RURAL CONTEXTS

KEY WORDS:

Dietary Habits; Exposure to Nature; Food Sustainability; Biophilia; Healthy Eating.

PAGES: 89
BIG AREA: Ciências Humanas
AREA: Psicologia
SUMMARY:

Human dietary habits are influenced by multiple factors, including environmental, socioeconomic, and cultural aspects. The relationship with nature has been identified as a relevant factor in adopting healthy eating habits, as it can enhance awareness of food origins and encourage more balanced nutritional choices. This study analyzed the dietary habits of university students in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, divided into two groups based on the location of their higher education institution (rural or urban), aiming to understand how the connection with nature influences dietary patterns. Using a quasi-experimental cross-sectional design, data were collected online via Google Forms, with participants answering sociodemographic questionnaires, the ESQUADA dietary habits assessment, the NR scale for nature relatedness, and a questionnaire on the perception of green spaces (PAV) developed for this study. The results indicated that, for both groups, diet quality was classified as good, the connection with nature was moderately high, and the perception of green spaces was elevated in both zones, with no significant differences between them. However, the relationship with nature was a significant predictor of healthier eating habits, reinforcing the hypothesis that a stronger connection with the natural environment can promote positive dietary choices. Additionally, the perception of green spaces was also associated with better eating habits, albeit subtly, suggesting that proximity to and appreciation of green spaces may influence students' dietary behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of the environmental context in students’ eating patterns and provide insights into implementing policies and strategies that encourage contact with nature as a means of promoting health and dietary well-being. Future studies in different regions and population groups may offer a broader understanding of how interactions with nature shape food choices.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Interna - 1350337 - FIVIA DE ARAUJO LOPES
Externa ao Programa - 1718747 - PRISCILA FABIANA MACEDO LOPES - UFRNExterno à Instituição - WALLISEN TADASHI HATTORI