Evaluation of Nutritional Situations according to Anxiety Score of Students Prepared for Exam

Aim: It was aimed to evaluate and interpret the relationship between anxiety score and nutritional status and some anthropometric measurements of students preparing for university admission exam in this research. Material and Methods: The study included 450 volunteers who were studying in Ankara and preparing for university admission exam, and the age range of individuals (16-19 years) was determined by the duration of research. State Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to determine anxiety levels of individuals and data were collected by researchers using a questionnaire form. SPSS statistical package program was used to evaluate data and appropriate statistical tests were used to determine relationship between variables. Results: While mean state anxiety score was not statistically significant between gender (p>0.05), trait anxiety score was found higher in females (p=0.004). As age increases, state anxiety scores of individuals increase (p=0.006). As number of daily consumed meals increased, state anxiety score decreases (p=0.030). State anxiety scores of those had to eat breakfast outside home were found higher than those had to eat lunch outside home (p=0.003). State anxiety score of those preferring school/course canteen when eating outside home were found lower than those preferring restaurant (p=0.026). However, when relation between daily food intake and anthropometric measurements and anxiety scores was examined, no significant relation was found except for relationships between protein intake and state anxiety score, and between male body mass index and trait anxiety score (p>0.05). Conclusion: The research shows that university exam increases the level of anxiety in students and there are significant relationships between anxiety scores and some nutritional habits and anthropometric measures