Everyday discrimination is a stronger predictor of eating competence than food insecurity or perceived stress in college students amidst COVID-19

Eating Competence among Brazilian College Students

“…In our study, there were no significant differences between sexes in the total score or frequency regarding EC, as was found in a study with the Brazilian adult population [ 27 ]. However, this differs from the findings of other studies [ 3 , 8 , 19 , 24 ], which describe men as more competent eaters than women. Despite this, according to Lohse et al [ 4 ], compared with other characteristics related to EC such as food preference and physical activity), sex and BMI may not be predictors of EC.…”

“…EC positively affects adults’ health [ 8 ], especially in preventing cardiovascular diseases [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 9 ], through a higher-quality diet (rich in nutrients, minerals, and fibers) [ 10 ]. It also positively impacts general health indicators, such as higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, a lower body mass index (BMI), and lower blood glucose concentration [ 11 ].…”

Methods for Assessing Health Outcomes Associated with Food Insecurity in the United States College Student Population: A Narrative Review

“…↑ Psychological distress 2. ↑ Loneliness Harris et al., 2022 [ 111 ] 2062 University of Washington Female: 72.0% Non-White: 47.5% FI: 17.9% 6-item 1. Eating competence 2.…”

“…It was observed that anxiety symptoms increased with the experience of FI in the college student population, independent of the measurement tool used [ 100 , 104 , 108 , 109 ]. Additional psychological outcomes associated with depression and anxiety include feelings of loneliness [ 91 , 92 , 95 , 106 , 110 ], hopelessness [ 104 ], resiliency [ 92 , 106 ], discrimination [ 97 , 111 ], pain [ 79 , 109 ], and suicidal behaviors [ 92 ], all of which were measured by validated subjective assessments and were negatively impacted by the experience of FI ( Table 2 ).…”

“…In the college student population, disordered eating behaviors include binge eating, body dysmorphia, and concerns about weight [ 149 ]. Using the Eating Attitudes Test [ 80 ], 5-item Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food Questionnaire-5 [ 149 ], the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire [ 150 ], the Eating Competency Scale (ecSI 2.0) [ 111 ], and the emotional eating survey [ 78 ], positive associations between FI and risk of disordered eating behaviors were observed in all assessments. The continued screening and detection of disordered eating behaviors in the college student population is warranted to explore the efficacy of pharmacological and community-based interventions aimed at reducing the compounded risk of FI with disordered eating behaviors [ 151 , 152 ].…”