Determination of the Relationship between Nutrition Habits, Social Physique Anxiety, and Physical Activity Levels of Adolescent Students

Abstract

Background: Concerns about physical appearance and other body characteristics are central to adolescents’ sense of self-worth and have the potential to affect adolescents’ nutrition habits and overall well-being. Aim: This study was planned and conducted to determine the relationship between nutritional habits, social anxiety levels, and physical activity levels of students in the pubertal period. Materials and Methods: 300 students were enrolled in this descriptive cross-sectional study between the ages of 14-18 who lived in Ankara, between October 2017 and February 2018. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) was used to determine healthy eating habits, the International Physical Activity Form (IPAQ) to determine physical activity status, and the Social Physique Anxiety Inventory (SPAS) to determine social anxiety levels. Results: 232 girls and 68 boys participated in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between KIDMED, IPAQ, or SPAS by sex (p> 0.05). Students who stated that they eat a healthy diet had higher KIDMED scores and lower SPAS scores than those who had an unhealthy diet (p<0.05). Physical activity levels were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was a positive correlation between KIDMED and IPAQ results, and negative correlations between KIDMED and SPAS and Body Mass Index for age (p<0.05). There was a negative but insignificant correlation between IPAQ and SPAS scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and higher physical activity levels may protect adolescents from obesity, obesity-related comorbidities, and high social anxiety levels.