Financial and Other Life Stressors, Psychological Distress, and Food and Beverage Consumption among Students Attending a Large California State University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic abruptly disrupted the daily lives and health of college students across the United States. This study investigated several stressors (e.g., financial strain/uncertainty), psychological distress, and dietary behaviors among college students attending a large state university during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to students from the California State University, Los Angeles between April and May 2021 (final analytic sample n = 736). Differences in gender and race/ethnicity were examined using chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA tests. Paired t-tests were performed to compare variables before and during the pandemic. Negative binomial regression models examined the associations between various stressors, psychological distress, and three key dietary outcomes. Descriptive results showed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, fast food, and sugary beverages, along with psychological distress, all increased during the pandemic. Significant differences in fruit and vegetable and fast food consumption by gender and race/ethnicity were also observed. In the regression models, several stressors, including financial strain and psychological distress, were associated with unfavorable food and beverage consumption, thereby suggesting that college students may need more support in mitigating these stressors so they do not manifest as poor dietary behaviors. Poor diet quality is associated with poor physical health outcomes such as premature development of type 2 diabetes or hypertension.

Socio-ecological factors linked with changes in adults’ dietary intake in Los Angeles County during the peak of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic

“…Individual predictors. Decreases in mental health have been a key concern of the COVID-19 pandemic (17,24) . Depression and anxiety were assessed using the validated four-item Patient Health Questionnaire (25) , which assesses feelings of depression and anxiety over the past 2 weeks.…”

“…However, among the few studies in the USA that sought to identify predictors of dietary change during the pandemic, most focused on individual-level factors (16)(17)(18) . These studies found that financial stress and food insecurity were linked to decreases in fruit and vegetable consumption (17,18) , while identifying as non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, or having lower education or income, was linked with increases in SSB consumption (19,20) . We identified one cross-sectional study that examined broader social or neighbourhood factors by utilizing a retrospective question on perceived dietary change (16) .…”

“…For example, social-distancing policies and the widespread closures of businesses and schools led to increases in financial and food insecurity, weakening of social networks and changes in neighbourhood social and food environments (11,14,15) . However, among the few studies in the USA that sought to identify predictors of dietary change during the pandemic, most focused on individual-level factors (16)(17)(18) . These studies found that financial stress and food insecurity were linked to decreases in fruit and vegetable consumption (17,18) , while identifying as non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, or having lower education or income, was linked with increases in SSB consumption (19,20) .…”