Analysis of Correlation between Nutritional Behavior, Lifestyle and Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety among Students.

Background: Students making the transition from high school to university find it difficult to maintain good eating routines/lifestyles and mental health, due to time constraints and stress. The goal of the study was to analyse the correlation between previously mentioned topics.

Methods: We included 948 students, aged 18-27, at the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Serbia and the research was conducted in 2020. Chi-square was used for statistical analysis. Modified WHO questionnaire for lifestyle and eating habits was used, as well as standardized questionnaires for anxiety and depression.

Results: Respondents who had more prominent symptoms of depression (moderate or severe) and anxiety had a significantly higher percentage of eating less than three meals a day (47.7%, 35.7%), skipped breakfast (38.6%, 33.5%), consumed alcohol (11.4%, 3.8%), used energy drinks (38.6%, 31.7%), were on some type of diet (36.6%, 30.2%), were not satisfied with their appearance (66.7%, 53%) and not engaging in physical activity (43.2%, 33.1%). Significant predictors for severe depressive and anxiety symptoms were the consumption of alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, satisfaction with personal appearance and physical activity during a day.

Conclusion: The results suggest that some of the eating and lifestyle habits were linked to higher risks of developing depressive or anxiety symptoms.