A cross-sectional study reveals a significant link between academic stress and emotional eating in postgraduate students, suggesting the need for effective interventions.
Key Points
This research aims to explore the relationship between academic stress and emotional eating behaviors among postgraduate students.
Conducted a cross-sectional study
Utilized an online self-administered questionnaire
Sampled 505 postgraduate students from King Abdulaziz University
Assessed academic stress using the Students’ Stress Inventory
Measured emotional eating using the Emotional Eater Questionnaire
Approximately 50% of participants reported moderate academic stress
46% of students were identified as emotional eaters
Significant association found between academic stress and emotional eating (P < 0.001)
Students with severe academic stress had higher odds of being severe emotional eaters (OR = 7.382)
Association remained significant after adjusting for demographic and lifestyle factors (adjusted OR = 6.633)