<p>Food Selection Under Stress Among Undergraduate Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia</p>

Abstract

Background: University students might experience numerous sources of stress in their daily lives. Previous research has found that stress affects food selection patterns, but the effect might vary by country and sex. No previous study conducted in Saudi Arabia has assessed the association between stress and dietary habits among university students. Thus, this study aimed to examine the association between perceived stress and food selection patterns among undergraduate students by sex at King Saud University (KSU). Methods: A cross-sectional study of 400 students attending the College of Applied Medical Sciences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was conducted. The self-administered questionnaire that was used consisted of three sections: sociodemographic, food frequency questionnaire, and Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale. Results: Approximately (59.0%) of the participants reported suffering from some level of stress, with more females (64.5%) experiencing stress than males (54.0%). The univariate analysis showed that under stress, more females (68.0%) reported eating more than usual than males (49.0%), while the percentage of respondents that reported eating less than usual was higher for females (23.0%) than that for males (31.0%). The McNemar test indicated that under stress, there was an increased preference for salty flavors, which was not associated with sex. Significantly more females (82.0%) than males (64.5%) reported preferring sweets under stress. More males reported preferring bitter and savory flavors than females. Under stress, females preferred homemade food, while males preferred takeout foods. More females (68.0%) reported losing control and overeating than males (49.0%). A logistic regression showed that for female students, perceived stress was associated with frequent consumption of sweets, cake/cookies, snacks and beverages and less frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables. For males, the consumption of fast food and meat was significantly positively associated with perceived stress. Conclusion: Perceived stress led to unhealthy changes in eating patterns in both sexes, as evidenced by reports of an increased preference for sweets, snacks and cake/cookies among females and an increased preference for fast food and meat among males. These results may be potentially important targets for interventions for stress-related food consumption.

<p>Association Between Sleep Quality and Physical Activity in Saudi Arabian University Students</p>

“…These challenges are normally associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, sleep disorder, and in some cases, substance abuse. [7][8][9][10] Most research conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the past 20 years to measure sleep quality among university students has limited its focus to medical students. These studies have shown a very high prevalence of poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia.…”

“…These challenges are normally associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, sleep disorder, and in some cases, substance abuse. 7 – 10 …”

Association between the Inflammatory Potential of Diet and Stress among Female College Students

“…Previous cross-sectional studies reported that female Saudi students were more vulnerable to high stress levels than their male peers [ 6 , 8 ]. This may be attributed to some conservative social norms of the Saudi community, which can play a role in increasing stress levels among females [ 9 ]. Chronic stress can affect food intake and food choices made by college students, making them highly vulnerable to unhealthy dietary habits [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Chronic stress can affect food intake and food choices made by college students, making them highly vulnerable to unhealthy dietary habits [ 10 , 11 ]. A previous study reported that while female students generally had healthier dietary habits than their male counterparts, females were more susceptible to making unhealthy food choices (e.g., sweets) as a coping mechanism when experiencing stress [ 9 ]. Academic-related stress due to anticipated failure during one’s academic career may increase systemic cortisol levels, which might alter cytokine levels, resulting in immune dysregulation rather than overall immunosuppression [ 12 ].…”

Plant-based dietary indices and stress in female college students: a cross-sectional study

“…Similarly, sweet intake in other studies was positively related to stress and anxiety in females (52)(53)(54). In fact, according to a recent cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia, the perceived stress among females led to an increased preference for sweets (52). Furthermore, Western dietary patterns, characterized in part by the consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient dense foods, such as sweets and sugary drinks, have been associated with higher levels of negative affective conditions (55).…”