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Health promotion and disease prevention

Vol. 28 No. 3 (2026)

Perception of breakfast habits of students at a higher education institution in Colombia

DOI
https://doi.org/10.22267/rus.262803.9733
Submitted
September 12, 2025
Published
2026-09-01

Abstract

Introduction: Consuming a balanced breakfast offers benefits for weight control, satiety, and daily performance. In the university setting, unhealthy eating behaviors are prevalent.

Objective: To describe the perception of breakfast habits among students at a university institution in Cali, Colombia.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with cluster random sampling was conducted. A structured survey was administered in two phases: sociodemographic and academic characterization, and perceptions regarding breakfast.

Results: A total of 577 university students participated; 50.4% were between 16 and 20 years of age, and 52.7% belonged to a low socioeconomic stratum. Of the participants, 57% always ate breakfast, while 42.8% did so only sometimes. Significant associations were identified between breakfast frequency and gender (p = 0.04) and marital status (p = 0.026). A total of 45.8% considered that eating breakfast improves intellectual performance, memory, and concentration, while 47.7% were indifferent toward the relationship between breakfast habits and obesity control.

Conclusion: Breakfast habits are determined by socioeconomic factors and subjective perceptions, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen nutrition education among the university population.

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