Role of Advanced Tools and Technologies (M-Health Apps & Fitness Watches) in   Affecting   the Nutritional   Wellness   and   Lifestyle Behaviors of University Students: Role of Advanced Technologies in Affecting Wellness of Students

Taiba  Tanvir; Maira  Iftikhar; Komal  Sajjad; Roman  Ali

doi:10.54393/df.v3i02.64

Authors

Taiba Tanvir University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Maira Iftikhar University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Komal Sajjad University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
Roman Ali University Institute of Diet and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/df.v3i02.64

Keywords:

Tools, Technologies, Nutrition, Wellness, Lifestyle Behaviors

Abstract

A huge increase in mobile health applications and wearable technologies has been seen in young individuals to track the records of progress in healthy lifestyle adaptation. Objective: To determine the role of advanced technologies and tools in affecting the nutritional wellness and lifestyle behaviors among university students. Methods: A cross sectional study was done at University of Lahore, Lahore Campus for duration of 4 months, using convenient sampling technique. Data were collected from 100 university students by a self-governing questionnaire. Different statistical tools were applied using SPSS version 21.0 software to analyze the data which included descriptive statistics and cross tabulation. Results: Out of 100 participants, 56% used wearable technology and 32% did not use while 12% used it in the past. On the contrary, 36% maintained weight and 27% did not maintain. 33% used this technology for awareness against diseases and 36% found no use in awareness out of 100. 52% got help in choosing portion sizes, 48% maintained hydration and joined exercise programs. 40% participants reduced interactions with their doctors due to this technology. 26% participants found that it reduces public health cost while 26%used it for detection of drug cravings. Conclusions: The results of this research conclude that there were a large number of participants use fitness apps and watches. Individuals mostly use these technologies for weight loss tracking and to improve their health. A positive impact of these tools and technologies is hence found upon healthy lifestyle adaptation among university students.

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