Doak S, Kearney JM, McCormack JM, Keaver L. The relationship between diet and lifestyle behaviours in a sample of higher education students; a cross-sectional study.
Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023;
54:293-299. [PMID:
36963876 DOI:
10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.01.036]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Transitioning into higher education (HE) impacts health behaviours. Poor dietary and lifestyle behaviours may correlate and increase risk of co-morbidities. The introduction of the Okanagan Charter detailed the important role of health promotion within a HE setting. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between dietary quality and lifestyle behaviours of students attending HE.
METHODS
Full-time students, aged 18+, were eligible to participate in this online cross-sectional study. Self-reported questions were asked in relation to demographics, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and COVID-19. A food frequency questionnaire measured dietary quality along with tools assessing alcohol use, sleep quality, perceived stress, and physical activity. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, one-way ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate linear regression.
RESULTS
Evidence of a correlation between poor diet quality and having a higher BMI (p = 0.040), higher alcohol consumption (p = <0.001), poorer sleep quality (p = 0.003), higher stress levels (p = 0.006) and smoking (p = 0.001) was found. Low fruit and vegetable consumption were associated with higher BMI (p = 0.013), higher alcohol consumption (p = <0.001), lower physical activity levels (p = 0.006), higher stress levels (p = <0.001), smoking (p = <0.001) and being male (p = 0.002).
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides data on the association between dietary quality and lifestyle behaviours among HE students and will inform healthy campus initiatives.
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