Serotonin Values According to Nutritional Habits of University Students and Its Effect on Academic Achievement, Quality of Life

Authors : Yasemin Çelik, Ayhan Vurmaz, Ibrahim Kiliç

Pages : 74-84

View : 43 | Download : 48

Publication Date : 2023-12-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The study was planned to determine the effect of nutrition on serotonin and, consequently, the effect of different eating styles on students\' academic achievement and quality of life. Method;The study was conducted with 155 students studying at Afyon Health Sciences University Faculty of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Nursing and Health Management departments. Blood samples and questionnaires taken from students were used in the study. Personal and nutritional status information form and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) were used in the questionnaire. Results; (31.6%) of the students participating in the research are students of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. BMI ( = 22.52) of the students is between normal values. The grade point average of the female students participating in our study is 2.83, and the average of the male students is 2.62. The students\' serotonin levels ( =37.12 ng/dl) were generally lower than the reference values. It was found that general stress level moderately affected academic achievement and general quality of life, and personality type moderately affected quality of life and general stress level (p˂0.05). Accordingly, as the stress level of the students and consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes increase, their academic success increases, but their quality of life decreases (p˂0.05). In addition, it was determined that the quality of life of the students whose personality type was open to life, extrovert, and agreeable was stronger than those who were emotional (p˂0.01). Conclusion; It was determined that students\' diets affect serotonin levels and academic success. A continuous \"Proper Nutrition Program\" should be carried out in universities on the nutrition patterns and effects of university students, and thus both the educational success of the students should be supported, and their quality of life should be improved by improving their well-being.
Keywords : Nutrition, Serotonin, academic success, quality of life