Date of Award

Fall 12-2021

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Food Science and Human Nutrition

Advisor

Jade McNamara

Second Committee Member

Mona Therrien

Third Committee Member

Kathryn Yerxa

Abstract

Objective The objective of this research was to explore the influence of diet quality on health-related quality of life among college undergraduate students. Methods A cross-sectional convenience sample of college students completed an online survey consisting of the Center for Disease Control’s Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) modules, shortened Perceived Stress Scale, sleep questionnaire, and the National Cancer Institute’s Fruit and Vegetable Screener. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported height and weight. Independent t-test were used to compare HRQOL between students who consumed above/below average fruit and vegetable intake. Two multiple regression analyses were used to determine factors that predicted better HRQOL. Results Participants (N=655) were an average of 19.8 ± 1.5 years old, female (63%), and white (84%). The average fruit and vegetable intake (FV) was 2.2 ± 1.3 servings per day. Results indicated students who consumed more than the average intake of FV, (41%) reported more days/month feeling healthy and full of energy (11.9 ± 8.6 vs. 8.9 ± 7.9, p

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