Nutrition behaviours and the occurrence of depressive symptoms among the students in the institutions of higher education in Silesia (Poland)

Depressive symptoms may appear at any age, yet they are most likely to be observed among young people aged 20-30. According to numerous scientific records, a properly balanced diet may prevent depression or enhance a therapeutical process. The aim of the study was the assessment of nutrition behaviours and prevalence of depressive symptoms among the students, as well as investigation whereas there is a connection between these variables and the sexes of the examined group. Furthermore, the aim was to determine, whether there is a relation between proper nutrition behaviours and an intensification of depressive symptoms. The research was conducted on a group of 959 students. In order to collect that data on nutrition behaviours an original anonymous questionnaire was used. In order to collect the data on a depressive symptoms occurrence Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used. Recommended number of meals was taken by 54.95% of students, including 59.20% of women and 48.56% of men. Only 6.25% of students, including 6.94% of women and 5.22% of men, ate a recommended number of 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables. 11.16% of students, including 10.94% of women and 11.49% of men, drank at least 2 glasses of milk or dairy fermented products. 22.84% of students presented depressive symptoms. 11.57% of the examined people suffered from mild depression, 7.1% - of moderate depression and 4.17% – of a severe one. It was found that there are relations between nutrition behaviours and sexes of the examined people. Women tend to present more beneficial behaviours. Almost every fourth student presented depressive symptoms – an intensification of the symptoms was more frequent among women. A growth in the rate of proper nutrition behaviours was connected with a drop in the depressive symptoms.

The authors declare no conflict of interest