Longitudinal association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province
10.16835/j.cnki.1000-9817.2024051
- VernacularTitle:云南省大学生加工食品消费与焦虑症状关联的纵向研究
- Author:
JIANG Yinghong, SU Yunpeng, SU Yingzhen, TAO Jian, CHEN Weiwei, HU Dongyue, YANG Junyu, XU Honglü
1
Author Information
1. School of Medicine, Kunming University, Kunming (650214) , Yunnan Province, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Food handling;
Anxiety;
Mental health;
Regression analysis;
Students
- From:
Chinese Journal of School Health
2024;45(2):178-182
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To explore the association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province, so as to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of anxiety symptoms in this population.
Methods:A cluster random sample of 2 515 first year students from two universities in Yunnan Province was selected to carry out a longitudinal investigation which included a baseline survey (November 2021, T1) and three follow up visits (June 2022, T2; November 2022, T3; June 2023, T4). The food frequency questionnaire was administered to assess processed food consumption, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21, Chinese version) was used to evaluate anxiety symptoms. A generalized estimation equation model was used to analyze the relationship between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms.
Results:The detection rates of T1-T4 anxiety symptoms among college students in Yunnan Province were 29.70%, 36.70%, 37.69% and 38.73 %, respectively, and the corresponding anxiety symptom scores were 4(0,8), 4(0,10), 4(0,12), 2(0,14). After controlling for demographic variables and confounding factors in the generalized estimation equation model, a statistically significant association was found between consumption of carbonated beverages ( β=0.06, 95%CI =0.03-0.08), and other processed snacks ( β= 0.04 , 95%CI =0.01-0.07) ( P <0.05). The stratified analysis by gender showed that the consumption of carbonated beverages ( β=0.08, 95%CI =0.05-0.12) and fast food ( β=0.03, 95%CI =0.00-0.06) was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms in female college students ( P <0.05). There was no significant association between processed food consumption and anxiety symptoms in male college students ( P >0.05).
Conclusions:Processed food consumption by college students in Yunnan Province may increase the risk of anxiety symptoms, particularly among female students. There is a need to strengthen guidance in respect to processed food consumption, so as to prevent and treat anxiety symptoms.
