Through a cross-sectional study design a survey was
conducted at Beirut Arab University (BAU) -Tripoli campus during the fall
semester 2014/2015. To calculate the sample size a 30% prevalence
rate of obesity was assumed with 95% confidence interval and 5% precision.
The minimum required simple random sample was 266. Assuming a design effect of
two to account for the effect of clusters the total final sample was 532
students. A proportionate cluster sample was selected (clusters being the 6
faculties at BAU). After exclusion of incomplete questionnaires 497 students
aged 18-25 years were included in the study (49.3% males & 50.7% females).
The study was approved by the institutional review board at
BAU. Data collection was performed by trained researchers. Subjects were
included if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being a Lebanese regular
student within the age group of 18-25 years. The exclusion criteria included
any student having any chronic metabolic disease like diabetes mellitus,
chronic kidney or liver diseases and regular intake of specific drugs that may
affect appetite or weight control. Those who expressed interest and provided
their oral consent were recruited to participate in the study.
A structured anonymous interview questionnaire was developed
by the authors based on previously published instruments which have been
standardized and validated to be used among university students. The
questionnaire included questions to assess the sociodemographic
characteristics, diet and food intake patterns and lifestyle behaviours
followed by anthropometric measurements.
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