The impact of physical activity and dietary behavior on depression in college students: a study on mediation effects and network analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study investigates the relationships between physical activity, dietary behavior, and depressive symptoms among college students, focusing on the mediating role of dietary behavior and interconnections revealed by network analysis.

Methods

We utilized convenience sampling to recruit 2,487 college students from five universities in Jiangxi Province, China. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Physical activity levels were gauged through a brief inquiry, dietary behavior was evaluated using the College Students' Dietary Health Literacy Questionnaire, and depressive symptoms were quantified using a widely recognised scale from the Centre for Epidemiological Studies (CES-D). Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0, mediation

SUBMITTER: Zhang W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12540118 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature