Title:

Is there a relationship between perceived stress and vegetable consumption in college students?

Title: Is there a relationship between perceived stress and vegetable consumption in college students? Objective: To examine the relationship between perceived stress and vegetable consumption in college students. Methods: Data were collected between 2012-21 through the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing cross-sectional study conducted at a public, residential northeastern university. Students (ages 18-24) were recruited from an introductory nutrition course that fulfills science and laboratory requirements; a total of 4,430 students (1,466 male, 3,004 female) provided consent and data related to the research question. Perceived stress was measured via a validated, 10-item questionnaire (Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale) as part of a larger online survey (Qualtrics). Answers were re-coded into a total perceived stress score (PSS). Average daily vegetable (veg) intake (cups/day) was reported through an online nutrient analysis software (Diet and Wellness+) after students completed a 3-day food record. Students received two education sessions on how to properly complete and input food records into the analysis software. After stratifying by sex, the differences in PSS and veg intake was examined using ANCOVA; living quarters and kcals/day served as covariates. Results: Sixty three percent (2810) of students did not meet the recommended vegetable intake (≥ 2 cups/day). Females and males had a similar mean vegetable consumption of 1.93 cups/day for males and 1.77cups/day for females. PSS were higher in females than males (16.65±0.13 vs. 14.7±0.19, p<0.001). There were no differences in PSS among those who met veg intake recommendations vs. those who did not. Men who ate < 1 cup/day had a mean PSS score of 15.1 (95%CI 14.5-15.8) while the other groups had a mean score ranging between 13.4-14.4. Females who ate < 1 cup/day had a mean score of 17.2 (95%CI 16.7-17.7) while other groups had a mean score ranging between 16.4-16.8. Conclusion: While most students did not meet recommendations for vegetable intake, perceived stress did not significantly differ according to consumption. Findings may help to inform interventions and education materials to improve diet quality within the college population to meet the dietary recommendations. Funding Sources: New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

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