Perceptions of university students on nutrition as a useful tool to manage anxiety and depression levels

Abstract

Objective: Mental health problems among university students are an emergent public health issue and prevention is crucial. Dietary interventions are currently being investigated as additional treatment options for mental illness. This work aimed (i) to measure and correlate the general status of physical-mental health and diet habits of undergraduate students (n=164, 96 females and 68 males) from different universities, in England and Türkiye; (ii) to develop a specific questionnaire to measure their knowledge on nutrition for mental health (as only general nutrition knowledge questionnaires were available), and (iii) to identify barriers for healthier food choices and sustainable behavioural changes. Materials and methods: The study was based on a cross-sectional survey. Undergraduate students were invited by email and their participation was voluntary and anonymous. Values were expressed as means and standard deviation. A significance level of 0.05 was set. Discussion and conclusion: The results showed that more than 1/3 presented a medium to a high level of somatization symptoms while more than 1/4 presented a moderate to severe level of anxiety and depression. Moreover, results showed a significant negative correlation between nutritional knowledge with physical status, anxiety and depression level and a significant positive correlation with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Cost, time, convenience and no healthy options on campus canteens/restaurants were the main reported barriers against a healthier diet. Most of the students showed poor nutritional knowledge on how nutrition may impact mental health, but a high interest in learning about nutrition to improve their physical and mental health. Nutrition education and the support of a nutritional team may be alternative tools at the universities to help students manage their anxiety/depression, general health status and academic performance.