M any university students are at increased risk of obesity largely because of poor dietary intake. 1-3 Students have reported lack of time, low availability of healthy food options, taste preferences and financial constraints as barriers to healthy eating. 4 Increased independence, combined with peer pressure and academic demands, also places students at high risk of poor nutrition-related behaviours. A recent survey of 34 Canadian universities and colleges revealed that only 54% of students had received nutrition information from their post-secondary institution, yet 67% are interested in receiving information on this topic. 5 Peer health education is defined as "the teaching or sharing of health information, attitudes, values, and behaviors by members of groups who are similar in age or experiences". 6 Peer nutrition education, analogous to peer health education, has been shown to be effective in the university population. A short-term evaluation of peer education showed that students at a primarily Hispanic-American college campus increased their nutrition knowledge and their fruit and vegetable consumption; however, proposed changes to the campus food environment (i.e., increasing the number of healthy menu items) encountered resistance from upper management. 7 A longitudinal evaluation of a peer health education program at the University of California demonstrated that peer health educators play an important role in promoting healthy behaviours related to alcohol use and weight management. 6 Peer mentors are also more likely to gain skills that are valued highly by employers (e.g., self-direction, communication, leadership and management, creativity and innovation). 8 These results suggest that peer-to-peer interaction may be an effective way to improve university students' food-and nutrition-related attitudes and behaviours.
Studies have reported inappropriate dietary behaviors among university students which could increase their potential risk for nutritionally‐related chronic diseases; thus, nutrition education efforts targeted to this group would be worthwhile. This paper describes the development of a peer education program aimed at providing nutrition information to students living in university residences as a critical first step before they can modify their eating habits. The program considered the students' growing interest in nutrition and dietary concerns expressed over the years. The collaborative efforts of residence and foodservice personnel, nutrition professors and students in planning, organizing, and pilot‐testing the program are highlighted.
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