A STUDY ON ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DIETARY EATING HABITS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG MEDICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS OF WESTERN CITY OF GUJARAT

Abstract

Background: Medical students are perceived to have high levels of stress throughout their undergraduate and the consumption of snacks and fast food is more common among medical students because it's more convenient. due to the paucity of research data, many people are unaware that Dietary practices have an important role in shaping our mental health. This study was done to assess the association between dietary eating and mental health among medical undergraduate students Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 medical college students studying in a government medical college selected by random sampling method. Data was collected using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess the dietary eating habits and assess the various factors of mental health, i.e., stress, depression and anxiety, using Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Results: It was found that 41% were having a craving for junk food and frequent consumption of canned foods, frozen foods and fast foods were risk factors for depression. Anxiety was found to be associated with frequent fried foods consumption, current smoker and alcohol consuming students. Conclusion: This study concludes that students and their mental health are affected signicantly by their dietary habits and the food habits of students should be monitored and interventions, if necessary, should be given. More research is necessary to establish causal relationships