Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition Science

Department

Health Science and Human Ecology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Tolar-Peterson, Terezie

Abstract

Title: Effects of Snacking Habits on Overall Health and Cognition of University Students

Authors: Shaw, K., Tolar-Peterson, T., & Malik, N.

Affiliation: College of Natural Sciences, Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407

Background and Aims: Snack consumption is increasing, and university students may be particularly susceptible to unhealthy snacking habits. Snacking patterns may affect students’ academic performance, mood, or body weight. This study assessed students’ snacking habits and its relationship with grade point average (GPA), mood, body mass index (BMI), and food insecurity.

Methods: Using an anonymous 46-question electronic survey, 318 students (52.8% undergraduate, 45.9% graduate, and 1.3% other) responded to questions regarding snacking habits, GPA, mood (Depression Anxiety Stress Scales – Short Form), anthropometric measurements, and food insecurity (Six-Item Short Form of the Food Security Survey Module).

Results: Students reported purchasing snacks most often from the grocery store (83.5%) and identified taste as the most important factor when choosing a snack (36.2%). There was a significant positive relationship between the number of snacks consumed per day and GPA (r = 0.12, p = 0.04), as well as a significant negative relationship between daily snack consumption and food insecurity (r = -0.15, p = 0.01). The reported average number of snacks consumed per day differed significantly according to different levels of stress (p = 0.04) and depression (p = 0.04), but not according to different levels of anxiety (p = 0.91). There were no significant relationships between snacking behaviors and BMI and no significant findings based on quality of snacks consumed.

Conclusion: The intersection of snacking habits with food insecurity and GPA among college students needs further research, but our study shows that these factors may be interrelated. Depression and stress levels may also play a role in snacking habits and the overall health of college students. Education on healthy snacking and resources for those who deal with food insecurity have the potential to impact GPA and mood, leading to more successful college careers, and healthier eating habits that may sustain throughout one’s life.

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