Food and Mental Health: Relationship between Food and Perceived Stress and Depressive Symptoms among University Students in the United Kingdom

• DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a3941
• Publication Date: 2016-03-27T21:20:47Z
• Authors: Walid El Ansari; Hamed Adetunji; Reza Oskrochi
• Keywords: Depression; Perceived Stress Scale; Cross-sectional study; Association (psychology)

The current study assessed, by university and sex, the association between nutritional behaviour (twelve independent variables), stress depressive symptoms (dependent variables) in a sample from three UK countries.A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among undergraduates enrolled across seven universities England, Wales Northern Ireland (N = 3,706). Self-administered questionnaires included 12-item food frequency questionnaire, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale modified Beck Depression Inventory. Sex comparisons were undertaken. Univariable multivariable regression analyses computed for each of two outcomes--perceived symptoms.The frequencies consuming various groups differed as did perceived stress. Multivariable indicated that 'unhealthy' foods (e.g. sweets, cookies, snacks, fast food) significantly positively associated with (females only) (both males females). Conversely, 'healthy' fresh fruits, salads, cooked vegetables) negatively scores both sexes. There significant negative fish/sea only. For females, lemonade/soft drinks, meat/sausage products, dairy/dairy cereal/cereal products not either or associations higher male female students well lower countries suggest interventions to reduce could also result consumption healthier and/or vice versa.