(P26-002-24) Relationship Between Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Illness in College Women

Objectives: In the US, young women, particularly those in college, have the highest prevalence of any mental illness (MI), which negatively impacts social connection, academic performance, and health. Emerging research into alternative treatment methods suggests that diet and lifestyle behaviors are safer and more effective than medication at reducing MI symptoms in the long term. Thus, this cross-sectional study aims to explore the relationship between lifestyle behaviors (diet, sleep, alcohol, tobacco use) and MI (anxiety, depression) in college women.

Methods: An online survey that included a food frequency questionnaire (Diet History Questionnaire II) and questions about lifestyle behaviors, symptoms of MI, and sociodemographics was completed by 222 women in college. Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), with higher scores indicating greater adherence to dietary guidelines. MI was assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Participants were dichotomized into two MI groups, with (WMI) or without (WOMI) symptoms, based on depression and anxiety scores. Independent sample t-tests and chi-square analyses explored associations between lifestyle behaviors and MI.

Results: 222 women (age: 22.8±4.7 years; BMI: 24.3±5.9 kg/m²; race: 70.3% White; ethnicity: 15.8% Hispanic or Latino) completed the survey (WMI: n=101, WOMI: n=121). A majority of participants had moderate diet quality (84.7%) and only 2.3% had a good quality diet. No significant differences or associations were found between MI groups for total HEI score (WMI: 62.2±9.5, WOMI: 62.9±11.2; p=0.659), sleep duration (WMI: met sleep requirements [64(63.4%)], WOMI: met sleep requirements [89(74.2%)]; p=0.146), or tobacco use (WMI: current user [14(13.9%)], WOMI: current user [7(5.8%)]; p=0.084). However, alcohol use was significantly associated with MI (WMI: ≤ 1 drink/day [85(84.2%)], WOMI: ≤ 1 drink/day [112(92.6%)]; p=0.049).

Conclusions: In this study, diet quality, sleep duration, and tobacco use were not associated with symptoms of MI but alcohol use was associated with symptoms of MI. However, improvements in dietary behaviors are needed. Future research is needed to explore the benefits of a healthy lifestyle on symptoms of MI in a more diverse sample of women.

Funding Sources: NYU Steinhardt