Consumption of ultra-processed foods, Quality of Life and Mental Health of Brazilian Federal Education Network Employees
1
Nutrition, Instituto Federal Goiano, Urutaí, Brazil
2
Education, Instituto Federal Goiano, Ceres, Brazil
3
Nutrition, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2400
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Exploring the connection between ultra-processed food consumption and the quality of life (QoL) and mental health of educational employees can provide valuable insights into their overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of food-related factors on the QoL and mental health of employees within the Brazilian Federal Education Network.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 2022, with 1.563 participants. We used the WHOQOL-bref, DASS-21, PeNSE, and a self-developed sociodemographic questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Female participants had poorer mental health, showing higher symptoms of depression (p=0.010) and anxiety and stress (p<0.001), and lower QoL in the physical and psychological domains (p<0.001) compared with male participants. The older age group (>53 years) indicated higher QoL in the psychological (p<0.001) and environmental (p<0.015) domains, with differences in mental health-related symptoms (p<0.001), compared with the younger age group. Higher levels of education were related to higher QoL in the psychological and environmental domains (p<0.001). The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sodas, and sweets was negatively associated with mental health (p<0.001), as was the consumption of fried snacks. Which indicated higher symptoms of depression (p=0.002), anxiety (p=0.006), and stress (p<0.001). Conversely, the consumption of healthy foods (vegetables and fruits) was related to better QoL in all domains (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
These results emphasize the need for interventions that not only encourage healthier eating habits, such as increased consumption of nutritious foods. Also, promote a reduction in the intake of ultra-processed foods, in order to enhance the mental health and overall quality of life of Brazilian educational employees.
Exploring the connection between ultra-processed food consumption and the quality of life (QoL) and mental health of educational employees can provide valuable insights into their overall well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of food-related factors on the QoL and mental health of employees within the Brazilian Federal Education Network.
METHODS:
This cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 2022, with 1.563 participants. We used the WHOQOL-bref, DASS-21, PeNSE, and a self-developed sociodemographic questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Female participants had poorer mental health, showing higher symptoms of depression (p=0.010) and anxiety and stress (p<0.001), and lower QoL in the physical and psychological domains (p<0.001) compared with male participants. The older age group (>53 years) indicated higher QoL in the psychological (p<0.001) and environmental (p<0.015) domains, with differences in mental health-related symptoms (p<0.001), compared with the younger age group. Higher levels of education were related to higher QoL in the psychological and environmental domains (p<0.001). The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sodas, and sweets was negatively associated with mental health (p<0.001), as was the consumption of fried snacks. Which indicated higher symptoms of depression (p=0.002), anxiety (p=0.006), and stress (p<0.001). Conversely, the consumption of healthy foods (vegetables and fruits) was related to better QoL in all domains (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS:
These results emphasize the need for interventions that not only encourage healthier eating habits, such as increased consumption of nutritious foods. Also, promote a reduction in the intake of ultra-processed foods, in order to enhance the mental health and overall quality of life of Brazilian educational employees.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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