Publication: Association between stress and eating behaviours among female undergraduates in Universiti Sains Malaysia, school of health sciences
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Date
2026-06
Authors
Azhar, Nurul Fatini Syafiqah
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Abstract
University life represents a critical period for health science students, who are frequently exposed to intense academic and clinical pressures. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between stress and eating behaviours among 108 female undergraduates at the School of Health Sciences (PPSK), Universiti Sains Malaysia. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ). Findings revealed that 85.2% of the participants experienced moderate levels of stress. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between total stress scores and Food Responsiveness, Satiety Responsiveness, and Emotional Undereating (p < 0.05). Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated no statistically significant differences in stress levels or eating behaviours based on age, ethnicity, or year of study, suggesting that the academic environment acts as a shared psychological experience for this population. In conclusion, moderate stress is a pervasive experience that influences dietary responses regardless of demographic background. These results highlight an urgent need for the university to implement continuous, campus-wide stress management interventions and to ensure the availability of accessible, nutritious food options to mitigate the negative impact of academic pressure on student well-being.
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