Goon S, Slotnick M, Leung CW. Associations Between Subjective Social Status and Health Behaviors Among College Students.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024;
56:184-192. [PMID:
38244011 DOI:
10.1016/j.jneb.2023.12.005]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
Examine the associations between subjective social status (SSS), diet, and health outcomes in college students.
METHODS
Cross-sectional study of 841 students enrolled at a large Midwestern university. Subjective social status within the US, as well as within the university, was measured using the MacArthur Scale of SSS. Outcomes included dietary intake (assessed using the Dietary Screening Questionnaire), body mass index, sleep, physical activity, alcohol use, and vaping behavior. Generalized linear models adjusting for students' sociodemographic characteristics were used to assess associations between SSS and outcomes of interest.
RESULTS
Higher SSS-US was associated with 4%, 3%, and 1% higher intake of fruits, whole grains, and fiber, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher SSS-US and SSS-university rankings were both significantly associated with lower body mass index and better sleep duration (P < 0.05). Higher SSS-university rankings were also associated with more days of physical activity and alcohol consumption (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
In this exploratory study, higher SSS, apart from alcohol intake, was associated with more favorable health outcomes. More research is needed to consider additional psychological and biological mediators and dynamic aspects of SSS, examine potential interactions between SSS and racial and ethnic identities, and explore potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations.
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