Economic and organizational determinants of diet quality in university students living away from home.

Abstract

Dietary behaviors established during early adulthood are important for long-term health and may influence the risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. University students living away from home are a vulnerable group, as the transition to independent living is often accompanied by economic constraints, changes in meal organization, and suboptimal dietary habits. This study examined diet quality among Italian university students living away from home using an integrated approach. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1973 university students. Dietary behaviors were assessed using three indices: Quality and Completeness of Diet (QCA), Organization and Regularity of Meals (ORA), and Practical and Economic Difficulties (DPE). Associations with monthly food and housing budgets were examined using descriptive analyses, multivariable linear regression, and exploratory cluster analysis. A gradient was observed between monthly food budget and dietary quality, with higher QCA scores in higher food budget categories. In contrast, housing-related expenditures were not associated with QCA but were linked to poorer meal organization and greater perceived difficulties. In multivariable analysis, both ORA and DPE were independently associated with dietary quality. Cluster analysis identified three distinct profiles characterized by different combinations of diet quality, meal organization, and economic and organizational constraints. Diet quality among university students living away from home reflects the combined and partially independent effects of economic resources, meal organization, and organizational constraints. These findings highlight early-life determinants of dietary behaviors with potential implications for future health and support integrated preventive strategies for young adults.