Awareness of Religious Practices and Their Effect on the Eating Habit of Selected BTLED Students of Bestlink College of The Philippines
Vol. 3, No. 2
Abstract
Food plays a vital role in religious cultures in terms of demonstrating respect among communities, and many of these religions follow religious rules; hence, food is prepared in various ways. Eating habits are why and how people eat. Religious beliefs influence a person’s values, traditions, and dietary practices. Food culture is based on the location and places of origin. Some foods are present in a specific place as part of their traditional practices, but they do not consider them delicacy elsewhere. The primary goal of this research is to determine how food culture influences students’ eating habits. This study will help increase awareness among school administrators and students that it is critical to consider the students’ food culture for them to maintain healthy eating habits. The researchers conducted a survey and interview to know the students' awareness of religious practices and eating habits. The researchers gathered data for this research from the respondents' responses, guidebooks of some local and foreign studies, and books related to this study.
This study utilized a qualitative research design method with fifty (50) selected BTLED students of Bestlink College of the Philippines. The sampling technique used was simple random to determine the awareness of religious practices and their effects on the eating habits of selected BTLED students regarding tradition, beliefs, food preferences, education, and gender discrimination. The instrument used was a survey questionnaire with a brief interview to answer the statement of the problem.
Most survey participants were Bachelor of Technology Livelihood Education students between 18 and 20. Women make up most of the survey respondents. Most respondents were Catholic, and 40% were BTLED first-year students. The average income of parents of students is P10,000 or less. According to the results, the respondents rarely consider religious food culture a problem. Based on the students ' comments, the respondents did not frequently mention eating habits as an issue. Thus, tradition rarely has an impact on how kids eat. Most survey participants consistently hold attitudes that affect their eating behaviors. As a result, opinions occasionally have an impact on what students eat. The totality of the cultural elements has an impact on students.
Other students have almost no problem with what they eat or the food they choose. They are aware of their food culture or tradition when it comes to food. We need to understand that we all have different beliefs when it comes to religion. The only thing that affects them a little is that sometimes, people around them are unaware of their food culture and do not respect it. Therefore, everyone around us should be taught to be aware, always respected, sensitive, and always remember that not all people have the same cultures and beliefs regarding food. Also, teachers must pay attention to this to enlighten other young people to be sensitive to those they interact with and become aware.
