[Correlation between controlling stress with motor activity and food habits in health students]

ABSTRACT

There is a correlation between stress levels with motor activity and food habits. The present study aimed to determine the correlation between controlling stress with motor activity, food habits and desired variables in health students. Through a cross-sectional study using randomized sampling, 100 health students were recruited. The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II [HPLP II] questionnaire including controlling stress and other variables was administered. Collected data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and linear regression tests in SPSS software. Mean and standard deviation of age and controlling stress score was 22.77 +/- 2.24 years and 20.22 +/- 3.6, respectively. 51% of the participants were female. In general, poor, middle and good stress control were estimated to be 36%, 49% and 15%, respectively. There were significant correlation between students' controlling stress with motor activity and food habits but not with age, gender, nativity and major of students. Linear regression showed that by improving motor activity and food habits score, the students' stress control score has increased significantly. Health education in advanced levels considering motor activity and a good nutritional status can have an important role in improvement of students' stress control