Eating self-regulatory skill, diet quantity, and diet quality of Malaysian healthcare university students: a cross-sectional study

Ching, Li Lee and Jamilah Abd Jamil, . and Jia, Tian Chang and Kar, Xsin Yap and Hsin, Yuen Yap and Wei, Jin Khoo (2023) Eating self-regulatory skill, diet quantity, and diet quality of Malaysian healthcare university students: a cross-sectional study. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition (Malaysia), 29. 027-037. ISSN 1394 – 035X

Introduction: The ability to self-regulate eating can improve health. This study aimed to determine the relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality among Malaysian university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 132 university students. Eating self-regulatory skill was assessed using the Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (SREBQ). Dietary intakes from two 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess diet quantity and quality. Diet quantity was measured as energy and macronutrient intakes, analysed using NutritionistPro. Diet quality was measured using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI). The relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality were evaluated using tests for differences between means and multiple linear regression. Results: Male participants (n=47) consumed more energy than female participants (n=85) (Male: 1850±570 kcal/day, Female: 1596±567 kcal/day, p=0.015). Participants from the Nutrition and Dietetics (N&D) course (n=49) had better M-HEI scores than participants from other health courses (n=83) (N&D course: 52.7±10.5, non-N&D course: 47.2±10.7, p=0.005). The predictors of energy intake were gender (β=-0.193, p=0.023) and SREBQ score (β=- 0.223, p=0.009). Being female and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with lower energy intake. The predictors of diet quality were university course (β=0.240, p=0.005) and SREBQ score (β=0.181, p=0.033). Studying N&D and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with higher M-HEI scores. Higher self-regulation of eating behaviour score is a factor that contributes to lower daily energy intake and higher diet quality score.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://www.nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/29-1/V...

Abstract

Introduction: The ability to self-regulate eating can improve health. This study aimed to determine the relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality among Malaysian university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 132 university students. Eating self-regulatory skill was assessed using the Self-Regulation of Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (SREBQ). Dietary intakes from two 24-hour dietary recalls were used to assess diet quantity and quality. Diet quantity was measured as energy and macronutrient intakes, analysed using NutritionistPro. Diet quality was measured using the Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI). The relationship between eating self-regulatory skills, diet quantity, and diet quality were evaluated using tests for differences between means and multiple linear regression. Results: Male participants (n=47) consumed more energy than female participants (n=85) (Male: 1850±570 kcal/day, Female: 1596±567 kcal/day, p=0.015). Participants from the Nutrition and Dietetics (N&D) course (n=49) had better M-HEI scores than participants from other health courses (n=83) (N&D course: 52.7±10.5, non-N&D course: 47.2±10.7, p=0.005). The predictors of energy intake were gender (β=-0.193, p=0.023) and SREBQ score (β=- 0.223, p=0.009). Being female and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with lower energy intake. The predictors of diet quality were university course (β=0.240, p=0.005) and SREBQ score (β=0.181, p=0.033). Studying N&D and having higher eating self-regulatory skills were associated with higher M-HEI scores. Higher self-regulation of eating behaviour score is a factor that contributes to lower daily energy intake and higher diet quality score.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	diet quality
AGROVOC Term:	food intake
AGROVOC Term:	nutrition
AGROVOC Term:	data collection
AGROVOC Term:	statistical methods
AGROVOC Term:	students
AGROVOC Term:	nutritional status
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Ms. Azariah Hashim
Date Deposited:	17 Feb 2026 04:08
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2026 04:08
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/3229

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