A Survey of Perceived Stress, Depression, Body Mass Index and Nutrient Intakes for Soldiers in the Army

Abstract

Purpose: This study is to investigate perceived stress, depression, body mass index (BMI), and nutrient intakes of soldiers in the army. Methods: The subjects were 301 soldiers recruited from two divisions of the army in Kangwon-Do. The data was collected from August 3 to 9, 2009. Perceived stress, depression, lifestyle, dietary habits, BMI, and nutrient intake were assessed. Results: Subjects' distribution for normal weight, underweight, overweight, and obese was 67.4%, 0.7%, 16.3%, and 15.6%, respectively. BMI was related to class, service branch, duration of military service and being on a diet, whereas BMI was not found to be related to perceived stress, and depression. Some nutrient intakes such as dietary fiber, vitamin C, and Calcium was related to depression. Conclusion: This study suggests that soldiers need to undergo stress, depression management, and a nutritional education program.