ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DIET, OTHER HEALTH-RELATED BEHAVIOURS, WELL-BEING AND PHYSICAL HEALTH: A SURVEY OF STUDENTS ABOUT TO START UNIVERSITY

Shikhah Almobayed and Andrew P. Smith*

ABSTRACT

Background: Previous research has examined the associations of health-related behaviours with a range of different outcomes. The present study focused on well-being and physical health, measured with the well-being process questionnaire (WPQ). Diet and other health-related behaviours were measured by the Diet and Behaviour Scale (DABS). Methods: An online Qualtrics survey of 193 students in their first week at university was carried out. The survey, including DABS and the WPQ, asked about the last six months. Results: Univariate analyses showed that health-related behaviours were associated with the outcomes. When established predictors of well-being were included, most of the associations between health-related behaviours and outcomes were no longer significant. However, some remained significant, with smoking and low exercise being associated with poor physical health. Conclusion: Health-related behaviours were associated with well-being and health outcomes. These associations were generally not significant when established predictors of well-being and health were included in the analyses. Indeed, only the associations between smoking, low exercise and physical health remained significant when the established predictors were included in the analyses. Further research with university students further into their degree is required to determine the impact of health-related behaviours on young adults.

Keywords: Well-being; Physical Health; Diet; Exercise; Sleep; Breakfast; Fruit and Vegetables; Junk Food; Caffeine; Energy Drinks; Cola.