The rising popularity of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the corresponding increase in anxiety among college students is a growing concern, though the association between the two remains to be fully explored. Aim: The study aims to investigate the relationship between Chinese college students' UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior and anxiety, and determine the extent to which the UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior are related to demographic characteristics. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1156 undergraduates whose UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior were assessed using a structured questionnaire, the knowledge levels reflected the accuracy of identifying UPFs from 16 food items, and the intake behavior levels indicated the types of UPF intake in the past week; while anxiety was verified using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Logistic regression models were performed to explore the relationship between UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior and outcome anxiety. Results: College students who take in fewer UPF types per week are associated with lower anxiety (adjusted odds ratio = 0.285; 95% confidence interval: 0.184-0.440). Further analysis revealed that sex, grade, major, and growth environment were significantly related to the college students' UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior levels. Conclusion: Fewer types of UPF intake were associated with lower anxiety among college students, and it was also proposed that UPF-related knowledge and intake behavior levels were related to sex, grade, majors, and growth environment. Improving college students' healthy eating habits needs to be emphasized to reduce the anxiety symptoms.
Keywords: Ultra-processed foods; anxiety; college students; intake behavior; knowledge.