(P13-063-25) The Relationship Between Diet Quality and Academic Performance in College Students

Objectives: Academic performance is often prioritized among college students, sometimes at the expense of their own health. Consequently, college students may struggle to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. It is important to consider the association of academic performance on one’s diet quality while in college. However, there is a dearth of literature that examines this relationship. The study’s objective is to examine the relationship between diet quality and academic performance in college students.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, undergraduate students (n=288) with a mean age=21.2 (SD ±2.49) completed the validated Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) questionnaire based on the USDA’s Healthy Eating Index in accordance with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans to examine diet quality (DQ). Academic performance was examined using self-reported grade point average (GPA). Students were predominantly non-Hispanic White (63%), Female (61%), and 75% of students had at least one parent graduate college. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and one-way ANOVA tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS V.29. GPA was categorized into 3 groups: above, mid, and below average. Results were considered significant at p< 0.05.

Results: Among participants, DQ scores ranged from 21% to 68%, with a mean score of 44% (SD: ±2.49). There were no significant associations between mean GPA and total DQ. However, gender was positively associated total DQ (r=.168, p=0.004), indicating that females were associated with higher DQ. Considering the specific components of DQ, total protein (F=5.214, p=0.006) and dairy intake (F=3.460, p=0.033) were greater among students with an above average GPA compared to those with below and mid GPAs. Plant-based protein intake was greater among students who had at least one parent graduate college compared to first generation students (F=3.435, p=0.034).

Conclusions: Overall, college students possessed poor diet quality. In addition, GPA and the classification of first generation have significant influence on one’s diet quality. Further investigation is needed to facilitate the development of effective interventions that encourage healthier dietary habits among college students to improve their overall health and wellness.

Funding Sources: N/A