Behavioral Correlates of Empirically-Derived Dietary Patterns among University Students

The Relationship between Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Illness in Women in College

Women, particularly those in college, have the highest prevalence of any mental illness (MI), which negatively impacts social connection, academic performance, and health. Research into alternative treatment methods suggests that lifestyle behaviors are safer and more effective than medication at reducing MI symptoms. This study explores the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and MI in college women through an online survey. The survey included a food frequency questionnaire (Diet History Questionnaire II) and questions about lifestyle behaviors, symptoms of MI, and sociodemographic information. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), and MI was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square analyses were conducted. A total of 222 women completed the survey. Overall, diet quality was poor, with a mean HEI of 62.6 ± 10.4. No significant differences or associations were found between MI groups for total HEI score, sleep, or tobacco use. However, alcohol use was significantly associated with MI (p = 0.049). Individuals with fewer concurrent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors had less severe symptoms of depression (p = 0.009) and anxiety (p < 0.001) compared to those with more unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. In this study, alcohol use was the only independent lifestyle behavior associated with symptoms of MI. We also found an association between the number of concurrent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and depression and anxiety symptoms. Future research should explore the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on MI in a more diverse sample of women.

Identifying methods used to manage weight and shape by first year university students: A qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify current strategies used by first-year university students to lose weight, maintain weight, or change their body shape.

METHODS

First-year university students (n = 661) completed an open-ended, web-based survey. Cross-sectional data were analyzed qualitatively using a reflexive thematic approach to identify strategies used to lose weight, maintain weight, or alter body shape/composition. Thematic maps were constructed for each weight- and shape-related goal.

RESULTS

Four main types of strategies were used to achieve all three weight or shape-related goals among first-year college students: changes in diet, changes in exercise, self-monitoring, and disordered eating. One behavioral strategy observed across all weight-related goals was prioritizing protein consumption, including protein gained from supplementation. However, there were also differences in strategies by weight- or shape-related goal. For example, only participants aiming to lose or maintain weight reported mindful strategies for monitoring diet. Individuals aiming to alter body composition reported heterogeneity in goal-related intentions, targeting specific body parts through exercise, and extensive supplement use.

CONCLUSIONS

First-year college students use a variety of strategies to manage their weight and shape. Some strategies were observed across goals, whereas others are specific to the weight- or shape-related goal. More research is needed to understand the impacts, both positive and negative, of using the strategies identified in the present study.

Sociodemographic Variables and Body Mass Index Associated with the Risk of Eating Disorders in Spanish University Students

Background: The passage through university is a complex experience that can heighten personal susceptibility to eating disorders. The objective of this research is to determine how gender, age, course, educational faculty, and body mass index (BMI) can influence the risk of eating disorders among university students. Method: A transversal and descriptive study is conducted with a sample of 516 Spanish students (57.2% female, 42.8% male; Mage = 21.7, SDage = 4.1) following 26 university degrees. The Inventory Eating Disorder-Reference criterion (EDI-3-RF) was administered to the students. Contingency tables were used between categorical variables with the chi-squared statistic, at a significance level of p < 0.05. The Student t-test was used for two independent samples and a one-way ANOVA test with the post hoc Bonferroni test for more than two groups. Pearson’s correlation and a simple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the variables in its quantitative version. Results: It was found that the female students enrolled in the second year presented a greater obsession with thinness and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.029; d = 0.338); the male students practiced more physical exercise to control their weight (p = 0.003); and that students under the age of twenty (p < 0.010; d = 0.584) and students from both the Health (p = 0.0.13) and Law (p = 0.021) educational faculties showed greater bulimic behavior (d = 0.070). More females are underweight (z = 2.8), and more men are overweight (z = 2.4). Normal-weight students scored significantly higher in thinness obsession (p = 0.033). Overweight students scored significantly higher on thinness obsession (p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Obese students scored significantly higher on body dissatisfaction (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The data obtained in this study, reinforce the hypothesis that the female gender, at an age within the limits of early adolescence, in the first year of the degree courses, with specific university qualifications, and a high BMI constituted factors that could provoke an eating disorder. Consequently, it is necessary to implement preventive measures adapted to the circumstances of each university student.

Are College Students Interested in Family Health History Education? A Large Needs Assessment Survey Study

Family health history (FHH) is an essential foundation for personalized disease prevention. As the incidence of early-onset chronic diseases is increasing among college students, it is important to provide them with the education required to learn about their FHH. This study aimed to assess college students' interest in receiving FHH education, preferred topics, and desired learning methods. We invited college students to complete an online survey from a large research-intensive university. A total of 2276 college students completed the survey. Nearly half of the participants self-identified as non-Hispanic white (45.5%). Slightly more than half of the sample (53.9%) were not interested in receiving FHH education mainly due to low prioritization. Among those who expressed interest in obtaining FHH education, the three most desired learning topics were the ability to interpret FHH information (76.1%), the application of FHH in disease prevention (72.0%), and FHH information collection strategies (63.6%). Computer-based learning (51.1%) was the most preferred educational method. Moreover, females, older individuals, those who have FHH in first-degree relatives, and participants who were members of racial and ethnic groups showed greater interests in receiving FHH education (ps < 0.05). Strategies to promote college students' awareness, collection, and use of FHH are needed.

Neighborhood Built and Social Environment Influences on Lifestyle Behaviors among College Students in a High-Density City: A Photovoice Study

Based on the social ecological approach, a photovoice study was conducted to explore how neighborhood built and social environments facilitate or hinder college students' lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity, active transportation, and dietary behavior. A total of 37 college students took photos about neighborhood built and social environments that may affect their physical activity, dietary behavior, and active transportation, and shared their perceptions about how neighborhood built and social environments influence their lifestyle behaviors. Our findings demonstrated that the availability and accessibility of services, school facilities, and home facilities affected physical activity and dietary behaviors among college students. Moreover, the well-developed transportation facilities and networks benefit college students' active transportation. Environments-based interventions are recommended in future research to better understand the associations between neighborhood built and social environments and lifestyle behaviors in college students.

Dietary Patterns and Nutrient Intake in University Students of Macao: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional status affects the health of the public and is one of the key factors influencing social-economic development. To date, little research on the nutritional status of the Macao university student population has been conducted.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and evaluate the dietary pattern and the nutritional intake among Macao university students.

METHODS

The Macao students were selected by the stratified cluster random sampling method. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate food consumption. Data were analyzed through a t-test and factor analysis by using SPSS Version 24.0.

RESULTS

A total of 1230 questionnaires were distributed. From the respondents, 1067 (86.7%) were valid. In general, we identified three major dietary patterns in this population: (1) fruit and vegetable dietary pattern, characterized by abundant consumption of fruits and vegetables; (2) grain and high fat dietary pattern, characterized as high intakes of grains and animal foods; (3) high sugar dietary pattern, characterized by a large quantity of daily sugary drinks. The average daily intake of vitamin A, thiamine, calcium, and iodine were significantly lower than the Chinese Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) in the subjects. Conclusions: The dietary pattern of Macao students is similar to that of other Asians. Surprisingly, the daily intake of vitamin A, thiamine, calcium, and iodine by Macao university students is significantly lower than the Chinese RNI.

Dietary Patterns and Dietary Recommendations Achievement From Latin American College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

This study aimed to compare the diet quality of different dietary patterns among college students from Latin American countries, including vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study was conducted including a non- probabilistic sample of university students from 10 countries. University students were invited to participate in the study through social network platforms. Participants were self-reported to have followed a specific dietary pattern; either the Prudent diet, Western diet, Ovo-dairy-vegetarian diet, Fish-vegetarian diet, Strict vegetarian diet (vegan) or other. The last three patterns (vegetarians and vegans) were grouped as following a plant-based diet. A self-assessment survey was used to evaluate healthy eating habits using a questionnaire with values between 1 (do not consume) and 5 (consume) for a total of 9–45 points (higher values represent better eating habits). Unhealthy habits were assessed with nine questions. A total of 4,809 students filled out the questionnaire, and the majority of them were females (73.7%). A high percentage have been in lockdown for more than 5 months and were in lockdown when the survey was released. 74.3% were self-reported to follow a prudent diet, while 11.4% reported following a western dietary pattern and 8.8% a plant-based diet. When compliance with healthy and unhealthy dietary habits was analyzed, although all groups had low compliance, the plant-based diet group (56.09 ± 6.11) performed better than the Western diet group (48.03 ± 5.99). The total diet quality score was significantly higher for plant-based diet followers, who also tended to better achieve the recommendations than omnivorous students, especially the ones following a western diet. These results present evidence that young adults such as college-aged students have unhealthy dietary habits. However, the ones who follow a plant-based diet such as vegetarians and vegans exhibit better scores and healthier dietary conducts.

How Does the University Food Environment Impact Student Dietary Behaviors? A Systematic Review

The food environment has been implicated in creating an obesogenic generation; and while previous research has focused on population-wide initiatives, the university population resides in a research gap. To explore detailed components of the university food environment and what shaped dietary behaviors, we retrieved literature from the following databases: ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and EMBASE. Eleven studies were identified for qualitative content analysis and study quality assessment identified most of the studies as of good quality (n 8) and some as of fair quality (n 3). The certainty of evidence remained at a low level for all (n 11) studies due to the cross-sectional, observational nature of studies. Three major themes emerged: (1) food environment, (2) student perceptions (SPs), and (3) dietary outcome (DO). In a university food environment, the taste of food was paramount for the food choices of students, followed by the availability of food and the price of food. When university students perceive and choose foods and beverages, they sometimes regard unhealthy foods and beverages as healthy options. The diet quality of university students is more susceptible to living arrangements and socioeconomic status, but higher salt, fat, and added sugar consumption generally resulted in poorer quality of diet on campus. Future research could use novel methods to explore a wider range and deeper level of students' dietary behavior determinants in university food environments.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021283562.

Lifestyle correlates of dietary patterns among young adults: evidence from an Australian birth cohort

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies of sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates of dietary patterns among young adults have primarily focused on physical activity and smoking, with inconclusive results. This study aims to examine the associations between a broader range of lifestyles of young adults and their patterns of food consumption.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional.

SETTING

Brisbane, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

The data set are from a long running birth cohort study which commenced in 1981. Details of dietary intake and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were from the 21-year follow-up of the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP) birth cohort. The effective cohort (n 2665, 57 % women) is of young adult offspring. Usual dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Data on sociodemographic and lifestyle variables were obtained from self-reports.

RESULTS

Western and prudent dietary patterns were identified for the combined cohort of women and men using principal components analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations between lifestyle variables and dietary patterns adjusting for potential confounders. Results from multivariable adjusted models showed that physical activity, watching TV and smoking were strongly associated with each dietary pattern; alcohol consumption and BMI showed weaker associations (P < 0·05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study describes a clustering of unhealthy lifestyles in young adults. Young adults with unhealthy lifestyles less often adhere to a healthy prudent dietary pattern and more often an unhealthy Western pattern. Dietary preferences are enmeshed in a lifestyle matrix which includes physical activity, sedentary activity, smoking and alcohol consumption of young adults.

Influence of biomedical education on health and eating habits of university students in Spain

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of an enrolled degree course on health and eating habits in a population of Spanish university students (17-26 y of age).

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 648 students. Volunteers were stratified into biomedical (medicine and nursing, 48%) and non-biomedical students (other fields of study, 52%). Data were collected using previously self-reported questionnaires focused on anthropometric and sociodemographic profile, lifestyle practices, body image perception, health consciousness, eating habits, physical activity, and food addiction. Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson's χ² tests were applied to identify associations between the two groups.

RESULTS

Self-reported body mass index was higher for the non-biomedical group (22.1 ± 3.1 versus 23 ± 5 kg/m²; P < 0.05), which also reported less regularity in taking meals (91 versus 95%; P < 0.05), eating fewer colored vegetables and fruits (65 versus 77%; P < 0.001) and a higher alcohol intake (27 versus 20%; P < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of students that showed more interest in the diet-health duality (92 versus 85%; P < 0.001) and a desire to adopt healthier habits (80 versus 78%; P < 0.05) was larger in the biomedical group. Dietary habits, obtained by means of a food frequency questionnaire, suggested that biomedical students make healthier food choices. Additionally, the group of biomedical students took more walks per week (5.8 ± 1.8 versus 5.5 ± 1.9; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier lifestyle factors cluster into the biomedical group in various components of the study, except food addiction where no differences were observed. The data presented here suggest the necessity to develop health promotion strategies targeting university students.

Effectiveness of a Program Based on Telehealth in Nutritional Knowledge and Body Mass Index in Peruvian University Teachers

BACKGROUND

University teachers, as agents of socialization, are one of the most influential groups in improving public health, and their nutritional knowledge can influence both the eating behavior of students and the family.

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a telehealth program on the level of nutritional knowledge and body mass index (BMI) of university teachers.

METHODS

A pre-experimental study was carried out from August to December 2020. A pretest and a posttest were applied. The number of teachers in the initial test was 88 and those included in the final evaluation, 83; and they were selected by nonprobability sampling for convenience. The telehealth-based program lasted 18 weeks and included basic information on nutrition and motivational messages. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire before and after the educational program.

RESULTS

Posttest knowledge scores increased significantly from 6.40 ± 1.70 to 10.59 ± 1.18 (P < .001). In relation to time, significant variations are observed in weight measurements (P < .001), BMI (P < .001), and basic nutritional knowledge (P < .001) before and after the intervention program.

CONCLUSION

The telehealth-based intervention improved basic nutritional knowledge levels and BMI. Likewise, the current findings provide evidence on the importance and need to develop future nutritional education programs that comprehensively encompass all study plans for the benefit of the university community.

Examining the Role of Anxiety and Depression in Dietary Choices among College Students

This study examines the role of anxiety and depression symptoms in predicting dietary choices in emerging adults while accounting for sex differences in these relationships. Participants were 225 English speaking undergraduates enrolled in a university in southeastern United States. Participants were recruited through an online research recruitment application utilized by the university. Participants volunteered for a two-phased anonymous survey monitoring the effects of eating habits and gastrointestinal health in young adults. As part of this effort, participants completed self-reporting measures related to anxiety and depression, as well as an automated, self-administered 24-h diet recall. Multigroup path analysis was used to test primary hypotheses. Overall, a decrease in total caloric intake and an increase in sugar consumption were found as self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased. In addition, there were sex differences in the relationship between depression and food choices. Men consumed more saturated fat as well as less fruits and vegetables as self-reported symptoms of depression increased. Results suggest symptoms of depression are a greater risk factor for poor nutrition in male college students than females. The findings provide another justification to screen for psychological distress in student health services given the implications on behavioral lifestyle and health.

The EHU12/24 cohort: survey design, instruments and participants

The EHU12/24 (code of a survey from the University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, UPV/EHU) study was designed to investigate the risk factors of overweight/obesity-related lifestyles, particularly those associated with diet, their psychosocial influences and the interactions among these factors. This observational cohort study was carried out according to a standardised protocol and involved a representative sample of the UPV/EHU student population. Anthropometric measurements, direct behavioural determinants, such as physical activity and diet, and indirect determinants, such as social/psychological factors, are considered. In this paper, we present the survey design, instruments, measurements and related quality management. We describe the study sample in terms of its socio-economic and demographic factors and knowledge area and summarise the methodology used to collect the data and obtain the anthropometric measurements. The participants were 603 students (59·5 % female) aged 18-28 years. The crude participation proportion was 53·5 %. Regarding the knowledge area, the lowest response proportions were obtained from the Health Sciences (38·6 %) compared with the Non-Health Sciences (48·3 %) (P = 0·003). The mean age was 20·9 years, and 83·1 % of the sample were from Basque Country. Regarding the socio-economic characteristics, there were significant differences by sex and knowledge area in most studied variables. Moreover, the Health Sciences students were more likely younger, from outside Basque Country, to have parents with university degrees and to have a higher social status. In conclusion, the EHU12/24 cohort provides valuable data for analysing the complexity and multidimensionality of obesity in university students.

College Students and Eating Habits: A Study Using An Ecological Model for Healthy Behavior

Overweightness and obesity rates have increased dramatically over the past few decades and they represent a health epidemic in the United States (US). Unhealthy dietary habits are among the factors that can have adverse effects on weight status in young adulthood. The purpose of this explorative study was to use a qualitative research design to analyze the factors (barriers and enablers) that US college students perceived as influencing healthy eating behaviors. A group of Cornell University students (n = 35) participated in six semi-structured focus groups. A qualitative software, CAQDAS Nvivo11 Plus, was used to create codes that categorized the group discussions while using an Ecological Model. Common barriers to healthy eating were time constraints, unhealthy snacking, convenience high-calorie food, stress, high prices of healthy food, and easy access to junk food. Conversely, enablers to healthy behavior were improved food knowledge and education, meal planning, involvement in food preparation, and being physically active. Parental food behavior and friends’ social pressure were considered to have both positive and negative influences on individual eating habits. The study highlighted the importance of consulting college students when developing healthy eating interventions across the campus (e.g., labeling healthy food options and information campaigns) and considering individual-level factors and socio-ecological aspects in the analysis.