Evaluation of Nutritional Habits, Adherence to Mediterranean Diet, and Test Anxiety of Students Who Preparing for University Examination

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to evaluate nutritional status, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and test anxiety who preparing for university exam. In this cross-sectional study, 284 volunteer students (169 female, and 115 male) were included. General descriptive features, dietary habits, Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), and Revised Test Anxiety Scale (RTAS) were asked with questionnaire form. KIDMED scores were higher whose mothers have high school education (p=0.033). Those who had breakfast, had more main meal, frequently consumed milk, ayran, cheese, yoghurt, red meat, eggs, fish, legumes, vegetables, crackers, and breakfast cereals had a higher KIDMED score (p<0.05). KIDMED scores were similar according to gender. The students who rarely consume milk, cheese, red meat, fish, simit, soup, soda, and honey/molasses have higher RTAS score. KIDMED score was not associated with body mass index and test anxiety (respectively r=-0.026, and r=-0.034, p>0.05). Diet quality and test anxiety were associated with frequency of food consumption (p<0.05). In this study, RTAS was not related to diet quality, but foods consumption and RTAS were related. There is a need for larger sample and randomized controlled studies that will reveal importance of nutrition and diet quality in increasing students' examination success. © 2023, Inonu University. All rights reserved.