Dietary Behaviors and Mental Health Disorders Among Private University Students in Dhaka North City Corporation, Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: University students around the world are experiencing rising levels of psychological issues, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress. Poor dietary habits may exacerbate these conditions, yet limited research has examined this relationship among private university students in Bangladesh.

Aims: This study aims to examine the relationship between dietary behaviors and mental health outcomes among students at private universities in Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 2023 and May 2024 among 384 private university students selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.

Results: Among participants, 59.4% reported depression, 63.3% anxiety, and 45.3% stress, ranging from mild to extremely severe. Associations were observed between mental health outcomes and gender, academic level, meal patterns, and junk food consumption. Females had lower odds of anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41) and stress (OR = 0.48) compared to males. Undergraduate students were less likely to report anxiety than postgraduate students (OR = 0.17). Regular breakfast and lunch intake was associated with lower odds of stress (OR = 0.52), depression (OR = 0.50), and anxiety (OR = 0.44). Preference for rice and fish was associated with lower depression odds (OR = 0.26) relative to fast food, sweets, and processed products. Alcohol consumption was associated with higher stress odds (OR = 2.65).

Conclusions: Unhealthy eating behaviors were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas regular meals and traditional dietary choices were associated with lower odds of mental health problems. These findings highlight the need for integrated nutritional and mental health interventions to support university students' psychological well-being.