Prevalence of Mental Health Problems Among University Students and Association With Body Mass Index (BMI) and Diet Quality
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.3.11
- Author:
Nur Nadhira Khairul Azhar
1
;
Muhamad Ariff Ibrahim
1
;
Mohd Radzi Tarmizi A Halim
2
;
Aida Soraya Shamsuddin
3
;
Nuraniza Azahari
1
;
Mohd Ahsani A. Malek
4
Author Information
1. Department of Nutrition Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
2. Faculty of Business, Economic and Social Development, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
3. Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI), Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), University Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 Bangi Selangor
4. Department of Human Sciences, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, BMI, Diet Quality, Student
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.3):82-90
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Numerous factors contributed to the susceptibility of university students to develop mental health
issues. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among International Islamic
University Malaysia (IIUM) students and their relationships with diet quality and body mass index (BMI). Methods: A
cross-sectional study was conducted among 104 students. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was
used to assess students’ depression, anxiety, and stress levels. The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index (M-HEI) was used
to assess diet quality. Spearman Rho was used to determine the relationships between variables. Results: Approximately 69.4% (n = 34), 71.4% (n = 35), and 48.9% (n = 34) of male students experienced moderate to extremely
severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. In contrast, 85.4% (n = 47), 89.1% (n = 49), and
54.6% (n = 30) of female students had moderate to extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress,
respectively. No correlations were found between diet quality and BMI with students’ mental health problems. For
male students, there were negative significant associations reported between fat-rich foods (r = -0.447, p-value =
0.001) and sugar-rich foods (r = -0.332, p-value = 0.020) intake with depression; a positive significant relationship
between fruit intake and anxiety (r = 0.284, p-value = 0.048); a positive relationship between fruit intake and stress (r
= 0.300, p-value = 0.036); and a negative relationship between fat-rich foods and stress (r = -0.293, p-value = 0.041).
Female students only had a significant negative correlation between fish intake and anxiety (r = -0.376, p-value =
0.005). Conclusion: No associations were found between diet quality, BMI, and mental health problems. A more
profound comprehension of the connections between risk factors and mental health could lead to new intervention
strategies.
- Full text:11.2023my1511.pdf
