Changes in Dietary Life and Health-Related Lifestyle by Stress Level in Chinese International Students in Korea

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in dietary life, lifestyle factors, and stress status of Chinese students who came to study abroad to South Korea. A total of 143 Chinese students were recruited from Seoul Women's University and Wonkwang University in 2013. We used SPSS 20 for statistical analyses in this study. The mean length of residence was 2.9 years for Chinese students. Most subjects aged 20–29 years immigrated to South Korea to obtain an academic degree (bachelor, master, or doctorate). We found a significant decrease in the frequency of eating fruits and vegetables among Chinese students in South Korea after migration. Further, there was a significant increase in fast food consumption and frequency of late-night snacking and eating out. In addition, their preferred beverage changed from soft drink or tea to coffee after migration. Stress level significantly (P < 0.05) increased in male students compared to female students. The high stress group watched more TV when eating compared to the low stress group. In addition, there were more students who perceived their health status as bad in the high stress group. Overall results give us useful information for targeting the most vulnerable subjects and planning nutrition intervention programs.