Association between ultra-processed food-related knowledge and intake behavior and anxiety among Chinese college students.

Abstract

Background: The rising popularity of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the corresponding increase in anxiety among college students is a growing concern, though the association between the two remains to be fully explored. Aim: The study aims to investigate the relationship between Chinese college students' UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior and anxiety, and determine the extent to which the UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior are related to demographic characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1156 undergraduates whose UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior were assessed using a structured questionnaire, the knowledge levels reflected the accuracy of identifying UPFs from 16 food items, and the intake behavior levels indicated the types of UPF intake in the past week; while anxiety was verified using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Logistic regression models were performed to explore the relationship between UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior and outcome anxiety. Results: College students who take in fewer UPF types per week are associated with lower anxiety (adjusted odds ratio = 0.285; 95% confidence interval: 0.184-0.440). Further analysis revealed that sex, grade, major, and growth environment were significantly related to the college students' UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior levels. Conclusion: Fewer types of UPF intake were associated with lower anxiety among college students, and it was also proposed that UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior levels were related to sex, grade, majors, and growth environment. Improving college students' healthy eating habits needs to be emphasized to reduce the anxiety symptoms.