Saint Mary’s University (SMU) proudly recognizes its alumni Darwin Hanes Salviejo, Kristine Joy Baler, Crizel Grace Bunagan, Mary Juliene Calpito, and Precious Penelope Javier, together with Dr. Joman J. Baliton, Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences, for their research publication entitled “The Impact of Nutritional Intake and Meal Skipping on the Academic Performance of Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Philippine Catholic University,” published in the Scopus-indexed Q4 Journal of Nutrition and Food Security.

The study examined the relationship between nutritional intake, meal-skipping habits, and academic performance among 77 third-year nursing students at a Philippine Catholic university. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, the researchers assessed students’ dietary practices and academic performance.

Findings revealed that breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal, while students’ diets showed deficiencies in several essential food groups and excessive consumption of chips and sweets. However, the study found no statistically significant relationship between nutritional intake and academic performance or between meal-skipping frequency and academic achievement.

The researchers recommended stronger collaboration with nutritionists and enhanced nutrition and diet therapy programs to promote healthier dietary practices among students. The findings contribute to discussions on student wellness and the importance of nutrition in higher education.

SMU congratulates its alumni and Dr. Baliton on this scholarly achievement. Their collaboration demonstrates the University’s continuing research engagement with its graduates and its commitment to producing evidence-based research that contributes to health, education, and community well-being.

Article Citation

Salviejo, D. H., Baler, K. J., Bunagan, C. G., Calpito, M. J., Javier, P. P., & Baliton, J. (2026). The impact of nutritional intake and meal skipping on the academic performance of nursing students: A cross-sectional study in a Philippine Catholic university. Journal of Nutrition and Food Security, 11(4). https://doi.org/10.18502/jnfs.v11i4.23068

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing

Written by: University Research Center