Nutrition behaviours and the occurrence of depressive symptoms among the students in the institutions of higher education in Silesia (Poland).

Background: Depressive symptoms may appear at any age, yet they are most likely to be observed among young people aged 20-30. According to numerous scientific records, a properly balanced diet may prevent depression or enhance a therapeutical process.

Objective: The aim of the study was the assessment of nutrition behaviours and prevalence of depressive symptoms among the students, as well as investigation whereas there is a connection between these variables and the sexes of the examined group. Furthermore, the aim was to determine, whether there is a relation between proper nutrition behaviours and an intensification of depressive symptoms.

Material And Methods: The research was conducted on a group of 959 students. In order to collect that data on nutrition behaviours an original anonymous questionnaire was used. In order to collect the data on a depressive symptoms occurrence Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used.

Results: Recommended number of meals was taken by 54.95% of students, including 59.20% of women and 48.56% of men. Only 6.25% of students, including 6.94% of women and 5.22% of men, ate a recommended number of 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables. 11.16% of students, including 10.94% of women and 11.49% of men, drank at least 2 glasses of milk or dairy fermented products. 22.84% of students presented depressive symptoms. 11.57% of the examined people suffered from mild depression, 7.1% - of moderate depression and 4.17% – of a severe one.

Conclusions: It was found that there are relations between nutrition behaviours and sexes of the examined people. Women tend to present more beneficial behaviours. Almost every fourth student presented depressive symptoms – an intensification of the symptoms was more frequent among women. A growth in the rate of proper nutrition behaviours was connected with a drop in the depressive symptoms.