A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Breakfast Frequency, Perceived Stress and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life among University Students Aged 20–30 Years in Pune
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v14i8.2825Keywords:
Breakfast frequency, DQLQ, Gastrointestinal quality of life, Perceived stress, PSS-10, University students.Abstract
Introduction: Regular breakfast consumption has been associated with improved nutritional status and overall health; however, its relationship with perceived stress and digestive quality of life among university students remains insufficiently understood, particularly in the Indian context. Objective: To examine the association between breakfast frequency and perceived stress among university students and to evaluate its relationship with digestive quality of life and body mass index (BMI). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 103 undergraduate and postgraduate students recruited by convenience sampling. Data on breakfast frequency, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Digestive Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQLQ) and BMI were collected using a structured online questionnaire. Spearman’s correlation and multivariable linear regression were performed. Results: Breakfast frequency was not significantly associated with perceived stress, digestive quality of life, or BMI after adjustment for covariates. Perceived stress was also not significantly predicted by the multivariable model (F (5,97) = 1.297, p = 0.272, adjusted R² = 0.014). Conclusion: Breakfast frequency was not independently associated with perceived stress, digestive quality of life, or BMI in this sample. Longitudinal studies with larger, multicentre samples are warranted.
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